Two Years Old

We went for a walk in the woods and found ourselves a little forest fairy.

The Academy Award winning pouty face.

Happy birthday sweet girl. May you always keep the magic and wonder of childhood with you. 

Bookends

Last week we celebrated Lillian's birthday with a party at home, but that wasn't the only fun we had. Due to some poor planning on my part and a few schedule changes, her party was sandwiched right in between two equally exciting things; a work trip to Chicago and Easter, of course. So much good packed into so little time. Here's to the bookends of our exhausting, fun-filled, week!

I spent most of the week in Chicago at a conference.

The conference was fabulous and I had a great time, but that's not what I really want to talk about here...here I want to mention just one thing... Eataly.

If you are in Chicago (or New York I hear), you must go! This place is Ah-mazing! Part market, part restaurant, entirely awesome. Trust me on this.

A Nutella bar, a Gelato bar, a pastry bar! Grab a glass of wine and do some kick-ass grocery shopping! They make their own beer, they make their own bread, ...pizza, fresh motzerella, fresh pasta, dry aged beef...!!

I got home Thursday night, as did John and the girls, who were visiting family. I worked the rest of the week and prepped for Lilly's party on Saturday, then we slid the final bookend into place by spending a gorgeous Sunday celebrating Easter with family.

Life is woven together with a natural ebb and flow. Ciaos and calm, home and away, gathering and solitude; Both are equally needed to fully appreciate the other.

A quiet, empty calendar stretches ahead this week.

Two Years Old | An Enchanted Forest Birthday Party

My baby is two now.

A simple statement that, in reality, is anything but simple. That little sentence packs a punch of emotion for me that rides the full spectrum from sorrow to joy. Two is a big year, full of lots of good and lots of stretching limits. We're in the thick of it; tantrums and infectious giggles, fierce independence and reluctant attachment, the constant push and pull of a year full of growth.

It's all good.

We celebrated our girl the best way we know how, with friends and family at home. This post is heavy on photos of crafty party details, because I know they are fun and what people like to see, but they are just that, fun details. The heart of our party, as always, is the people. Our people, who show up to share a drink, a laugh, and a hug, and to help us celebrate a very special, very loved, forest fairy.

Happy birthday sweet Lilly.

Party Details:
Cake and cupcakes - Made by my insanely talented sister.
Lanterns - Simple embroidery hoops tied with fabric strips.
Fairy Dress -From this Etsy seller
Glass Bottles - Oriental Trading
Wings and wands - Halo Haven 
Mushroom ring toss - Original idea here. Bowls and small hula hoops from the Dollar Store.
Meringue mushrooms - So simple. Watch this video.
Hedgehog donuts - Simple idea from Pharma. Dip in melted chocolate and chocolate sprinkles, pipe on face.
Chocolate bird nest bowl - I made mine with shredded wheat, a little cocoanut, and melted chocolate. Line a bowl with wax paper, press to form bowl shape, and pop in the fridge to harden.
Acorn kisses - These are all over Pinterest. Just secure the kisses and mini chips to Nutter Butter Bites using melted chocolate.