(Jason and I still arent really talking since the poo incident. The tension is high here. I know it might seem silly, but to me- its not just about the poo in the tub. It was just representative of all the tasks left incomplete.)
Jackson's 2nd birthday party was at the fire station on post. I was super excited that they let us have the party in the station!
The relegated us to a classroom in the fire station for the cupcake/juice box merriment. Because Jackson was in such a wild mood- I didnt really have time to assess my other options (like outside, etc) so we just packed into the room and had a QUICK party.
I used cream cheese frosting for the cupcakes and mixed in nearly a whole little bottle of red food coloring! I just know all the moms appreciated that! haha!
The little fire truck cupcake toppers are courtesy of this shop on Etsy.
The very very cool fire truck fabric banner is courtesy of Kristie.
The favor bags, which I was immensely proud of, were made of up fire truck shaped crayons, fire hydrant shaped water squirters, organic lollipops and fire man hats (not in bag).
After the cupcakes (we did not do the candle thing, and Jackson was so frustrated with me that he wasnt already eating a cupcake, he didnt care we were singing him Happy Birthday), we headed to the station garage to see the fire trucks!
(Emma is not happy at all that we are letting Jaxy play with his presents before she can!)
It was a fast birthday party. About 45 minutes. We opted to take all of the gifts home to open that evening instead of at the party. It seems to be the best plan for little ones- so they dont all get jealous.
Was it the party I envisioned? No- but it was fun for the kids, and not too stressful for me- so....it was a success!

great pics -- I love the one of emma giving you the finger :)
Posted by: Kari | April 13, 2010 at 08:00 AM
Great party idea. I'm sorry Jaxxy wasn't in the mood you would have liked him to have been in - but still a good time. Parents were probably glad the party only lasted 45 minutes!
Posted by: Tammy | April 13, 2010 at 08:22 AM
Looks like it was a success to me! I am sure little Miss Emma wasn't signaling intentionally, but that picture is terrific!
Posted by: Tammy | April 13, 2010 at 08:55 AM
It looks like a great party! I'm sure Jackson was so excited he didn't know which way to go first! I often wonder how moms handle the jealousy of the gifts...I guess all kids go through that at that age. I love the banner Kristie made and the cupcake toppers are so cute! Good job on all of it. And that kid with the red mouth...oh my!
Posted by: sandy | April 13, 2010 at 10:36 AM
Great job on the party!
Posted by: pam | April 13, 2010 at 12:58 PM
Super smart to wait to open the gifts. I made the mistake of attempting this and it was CHAOS!! Happy Birthday Jackson!
Posted by: Alison | April 13, 2010 at 05:10 PM
How cool that Jackson had his birthday at the Fire Station! I think that's so awesome!
Posted by: Stefanie | April 13, 2010 at 09:33 PM
The "opening gifts later" is a best practice we're TOTALLY adopting. The party was WONDERFUL and fast was fine with us. I would call it a total success (and I was there, so I'm allowed to).
THANK YOU for including us in Jackson's special day!
Lara, Jim, Colin and Josiah
Posted by: lara fiscus | April 14, 2010 at 02:31 AM
Ian looks like a clown with angst. We always open the presents later as well, especially when you at another location and will have to transport everything home.
Posted by: mamaseoul | April 14, 2010 at 05:16 AM