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Our sweet boy turned two last week, and we celebrated in style with a Jungle Safari themed birthday party! I chose the Jungle Safari theme because Major LOVES animals, and I thought it would be fun to have a birthday party centered around visiting with some real animals! All the rest of the decor ideas came from there. I loved decorating my house like a jungle– and I actually said to Kyle that it was some of my favorite decor of any birthday party I’ve ever hosted. I think I’m just #basic and love Palm leaves like the rest of the millennials. LOL.
Major was so excited that it was his birthday party, and kept on announcing to anyone and everyone “I’m two!” He loved all the balloons, which I got in a mix of animal prints, and greens to reflect the party’s foliage. We even decorated our garage to look like a jungle with fun animal balloons and palm leaves on all the tables!
The party day turned out to be absolutely gorgeous, and it was so nice to have the ability to play outside and inside! We had the Super Duper Weenie truck for food (a local CT fave), and then we had Critter Caravan come to host a little animal petting circle. I was obsessed with Critter Caravan! Tori is hilarious, and the animal petting aspect feels fun instead of uptight like I’ve seen with a few other animal party companies. She gave us such a great balance of information and entertainment– and the kids were fully engrossed in her presentation. We also got to do some fun things, like letting the chinchilla jump off of our heads in to her arms! Marlowe even got to hold the snake around her neck, and snuggle the little hedgehog in her arms. I honestly wanted her to stay for another hour, but it was finally time for cake!
Confections by Crystal made us another showstopper cake, and some cake pops to match. I love how Major’s cake matched all our decor, and was so sweet just like him. I chose a vanilla cake with cookies and cream filling. The cake pops were chocolate cake with vanilla frosting. The thing that surprised me the most about the whole party was when it came time to sing Happy Birthday. I’m so used to Marlowe being really shy during that part of the party, and hiding from the cake and candles. When we turned the lights out, lit the candles, and started singing to Major, I held him just in case he started to melt down. But he just looked around the room smiling, so happy and proud! Then he blew out his candles all by himself! It was yet another reminder (add it to the long list) of how important it is to remember that our kids are different people from each other. It’s so easy for me to forget that sometimes, and to assume they’ll react the same way.
I’m so glad we got to celebrate our special little man with a great party– and I think it’s the last year where I’ll get to pick the theme! I can’t wait to have a conversation next year about what he wants to do for his birthday party…
Just curious . Do either Kyle’s parents,your mother and anyone else considered your children’s grandparents come to any of their birthday celebrations ?
Sometimes! Nobody lives near us so it’s hard for them to make it. My stepfather was at this party, and is in the photos!
You throw the best parties I have ever seen! So creative and thoughtful. Your kids are so lucky to have these amazing memories! Awesome job! Happy birthday to your little guy!
Thank you! I really LOVE throwing them, I have the best time!
I love the parties you throw for your kids, serious mom goals!! Where do you get all the decor?
Thank you so much! I order a lot of it online, just for time’s sake mostly. I linked the things I ordered for this party in the widget at the end of the post!
Wow, everything from the cake, cake pops, safari hats to the food truck, what a cute theme. Well done!
Thanks!
I mean…Marlowe and the snake. This girl is so fierce! Looks lovely and what a great idea to have real animals involved.
What a great idea! I love an event with animals!
What a lovely party, Eva! Love the theme. Major looks like he had a blast! One question, only sort of kidding – were you concerned having the critters inside your house? What if one of them escaped?! All I can imagine is that leopard gecko finding its way into your bedroom or something!
Hahah! That would have been terrible! LOL. But definitely a worst case scenario type of situation. I knew there were so many people around it wouldn’t have gotten far 😉
So disappointed. Where is Kyle’s animal print or jungle-themed shirt??? ??
LOL. I can’t say Kyle loves a theme as much as the rest of us do 🙁
Can you tell me who makes your leopard dress?? Love!!
It’s by Zara!
This is just the loveliest. You are such a wonderful Mama, Eva.
Hi! Love everything! Where are your black flats from?! Thanks!
They’re Madewell but last year! These are similar, and they’re on sale today!
Lovely children and parents enjoying Majors B.D. What a great idea reserving the garage in case of rain and a food truck to do all the food prep. What a fun day. I wish I read your blog when I was was raising my children. Happy Day
What a darling party!! LOVE your leopard print dress! Unfortunately, the link provided doesn’t lead to the dress! Can you give me the designer name? Is it DVF? Would appreciate it—thanks!!
What did your parents do for your birthday growing up? I know interests change as we get older, but when you were younger, were there big parties? What about sweet 16? What are your favorite birthday memories from your own childhood?
I mostly had birthday parties at our house, and sleepover parties as I got older! We always did themed birthday parties, and our family would all dress up according to theme. Then I had a big Sweet 16 party! A lot of my friends had had Bar and Bat Mitzvahs so I wanted to do a little celebration of emerging in to young womanhood as well.