Elmo Extravaganza

Let me just start by saying, I'm not really in to themes. When it comes to having a child, everything from nursery decor to clothing and toys to birthday parties seem to all come in over-the-top themes.

Michael and I have done a somewhat decent job (until now) of not getting sucked in to the hype, but that all changed this weekend. After last year's Vidrine Boys' Birthday Bash, I decided to forgo the house party that was so large I couldn't even visit with everyone, in favor of a small dinner with the grandparents and my sister.

As the time came closer to celebrate, I started having guilt about not making a bigger deal of both Michael and Gray's birthdays, so on short notice I invited a small group of friends for an impromptu swim party on Saturday.

Grayson and I went to Party Galaxy on Friday night to pick up a few paper goods for the party. I was planning to beeline it back to the plain colored plates and cups, but they've strategically planned the store so that you have to pass all the other character themes to get there. Of course, we fell right into the trap and Gray lit up as he spotted the Elmo section.

After seeing the happiness on his face, I had a moment of weakness and loaded up my cart with a healthy dose of Elmo party stuff. We got the plates, hats, napkins, even a stick-the-nose-on-Elmo game.

Trying to savor a little pride, Michael and I were determined to make an Elmo cake instead of ordering one of the many available designs at our local bakery. Since Grayson is allergic to eggs, we chose a egg-free chocolate cake recipe that turned out a little dry, but won enough style points to make up for the taste. Here's the final product:

We used strawberries for the fur, a modified twinkie for the nose, and whipped cream and blueberries for the eyes. The birthday boys enjoying the party hats and cake.

The Green Family with Cora also sporting a lovely Elmo accessory

Adam & Emma on the left and Liam & Rob on the right. Luckily, I didn't make the dad's wear hats, but Emma was a good sport.

Grayson got the first try at sticking the nose on Elmo

Here's Cora's try...can you see the absolute glee on Gray's face in the background. That was pretty much his mood all day.

After Cora walked away, Grayson took it upon himself to restick her nose closer to the right spot. OCD much? (but that's a different post)

Overall it was a fun day. As expected, Michael's birthday got overshadowed by Grayson's at the party but we made up for it this morning by showering daddy with gifts when he woke up (today is Mike's actual b-day).