ella + OLIVIA

Ella started watching a lot more TV (than I would have liked) once Gavin came along.  But thankfully, she fell in love with a show that we could all embrace.  Every day she would ask to watch "lie" (or Olivia) after her nap, and with a newborn baby that needed to be nursed and cared for, I happily obliged.  So it only felt fitting to throw her an Olivia-themed birthday party.  We decided to stick with the book version (which she loves just as much), and designed the party around a black and white theme with red accents.  We asked the guests to wear neutral colors, so Ella could pop in red as the birthday girl.  We also served red food, and decorated with balloons in the same color scheme.  And of course, there was a (makeshift) photo booth with pig ears and snouts along with other fun accessories for guests to partake in.  I had initially planned for something small, but with 40+ guests, Ella's birthday celebration became quite an event.  And we enjoyed every minute of it.  (Thank you, to Auntie Ashley, for all your help!)

I decided a hand-drawn invitation would set the right move.  Ashley did an awesome job sketching Olivia.  We colored in her dress red before sending them out.

It took a few weeks to finish all the details and preparations for the party.  I was super excited to find the red and white washi tape on sale, and the mason jar and straws were from Etsy.  The polka dot wrapping paper were the perfect splash of red; these wrapped up Olivia books as favors for the kids.

She turned two and suddenly sprouted an attitude.

The guests sipped watermelon frescas out of personalized mason jars.  I love how vintage hollywood Ella looks in this picture.

The favors.  My "balloon wall" didn't come out as planned, but they were cute nonetheless.

Inspired by an idea I saw on pinterest, I made Ella a board summarizing her at this age.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to include her height and weight. 

Madelyn and Alexa checking out the photo station with Olivia.

All the kids got goodie bags with some activities they could do during the party (in lieu of planned entertainment or a bouncy house).  Ella loved her sidewalk chalk.  And yes, we had Olivia tattoos for the kids.  Ella chose a half-sleeve.

Actually all the kids enjoyed the chalk.  By the end of the day, our backyard was pretty well decorated.

More chalking.

Our lovely guests dressed in black and white.

Gabe got in on the pig action.

These two became fast friends.

I love color coordination! 

You can't serve red food and not have Jell-O!  

After being introduced to it a couple months ago at birthday party, Ella loves her jello-jello (as she calls it). 

She also loves balloons.

Ashley had the idea to make giant clouds to give the backyard a storybook feel.  Apparently, Kathie found them delicious.

Ella with her puo-puo and gong-gong.

Peek-a-boo with Olivia. 

Ella was on cloud nine.  Sorta.

Taking Olivia for a ride.  Ashley drew a life-size version for the photo station.

Lounging as the party winded down.

Piggy fun.

E had so much fun running around, I barely got to see her.  Here's a rare moment we got together at the end of the party.

And now, photo booth fun!  Ashley made the adorable pig ears and snouts.  I made the banner and supplied the red accessories.

Not a fan of being the center of attention in large groups, Ella did not enjoy the cake part.  I mean, she enjoyed the cake, but not the singing.  We'll have to work on that.

Taste testing her red velvet cake.

Not impressed by the rendition of "Happy Birthday"

Waiting for it to end.

At least the cake was worth it!

Despite the warm weather and all-around craziness of hosting a toddler birthday party, we all enjoyed ourselves.  Most of all, Ella had a blast and it was the perfect celebration in honor of this little person that she's growing into.