Party, Party

Growing up we always alternated--one year we'd have a 'friend' birthday party, the next just family.

It's a great idea in theory, but unfortunately we have no family out here to celebrate with!

So Seth got another 'friend' party, but I kept it super simple this year:

we partied at a local park and everyone brought their own lunch.

How cool am I?  Best birthday party idea ever.

Seth was very specific about his cake this year. 

It was to be a light purple fire truck and it was to taste like lemon.

And here it is--a lemon cake with raspberry filling and lemon/cream cheese icing:

(please don't judge harshly--once again, we were going for flavor over fondant)

(and I was also trying to make it as un-girly as is possible for a light purple fire truck)

We had a small party with Seth's good friends: 

(notice the Princess standing on the table?  Standard fare around here)

Jon lights the candles: 

My favorite Seth picture: 

Please note--he covered his ears BEFORE the singing even started.

That is my son.

It was the perfect party for him--lots of space, lots of friends, and simple gifts (fruit snacks and a sucker, for example).  Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us!