Tova's 3rd Birthday Party

I started brainstorming for Tova's third birthday party several months in advance. Then when we found out David got his World Vision job in Seattle, I wasn't sure anything would actually happen. So much was going on, David was living across the country, and T's birthday lands right after the holiday season. But since we were moving so far away from friends and family, I decided I just had to do it. I used my main ideas and scrapped almost anything that I didn't already own (yes, we're paying both a mortgage and rent now - let me know if you're interested in buying or renting our house in Lakeland, Florida!!!) If you've kept up with us over the past few years, you know that I've planned outdoor parties for Tova every year, to be rained or frozen out. I assumed there was no lesson to be learned, and went ahead and planned a family picnic while everyone was still in town for Christmas. The party was on December 31st in central Florida. I might be a little jealous of some warm Florida sunshine right about now... ;)
























Details: For the location, we found a good spot of grass at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida.
I bought some great pink and white fabrics and cut them into squares. I didn't have time to finish the edges, and I like how the sacks (that can be reused as bandanas!?) looked with raw edges. My mom helped me put together simple lunches for everyone - a sandwich, kettle chips, carrots, a box of clementines, and organic juice with bottled water.
The straws were leftovers from previous parties.
The pink napkins with white polka dots were a quick grab from Target.
We were running late getting the balloons blown up, which I had planned to string all around the picnic spot with some pink and white lanterns that ended up unused. The small bunch we finished ended up flying away.
The cake was vanilla, the recipe from Organic and Chic by Sarah Magid, which I always reference for baking. The icing was beautiful pink strawberry (I think I used this recipe). The cupcake liners were pink and white gingham, from the craft store. Yet another variation on a tiny pink cake for the tot.
Tova's headband is just strips of fabric braided together, idea from My Cakies.

It was a lovely day.

Xoxo, Kallie

Note: Fuji 400H on Contax 645 with Planar T* 80mm f2 lens.

all images © Kallie Brynn Photography