Kelsey is Turning Two

So I’ve been a little MIA in the blog-o-sphere this week… BUT I’ve had a good reason. I’ve been gearing up for Kelsey’s 2nd birthday. That’s right, my sweet little angel-terror Kelsey is turning two.

I say terror because she’s already hit the terrible twos. Like, big time. Can’t wait until she’s a teenager. sarcasam

Before Mackenzie was born, I felt as though I had a pretty good handle on Kelsey’s tantrums. I could devote 100% of my time trying to diffuse them before they began or talking her down from them before they got bad. These days? I’ve can devote about 30% of my time and attention to the dreaded tantrum. Which is why I’m failing at it and they’re getting so much worse. Ugh.

Now lets talk about her party,

as it has been a serious source of added stress for me. Since Kelsey loves The Little Mermaid we’re having a Mermaid/Under the Sea themed birthday party. Since a generic looking mermaid is more my style, that’s what we’re going with this time. Sorry Disney. But as long as I’m still able to call the shots on party decor, I’m taking advantage. I’m sure next year for her 3rd (going on 13) birthday party she’ll be completely dictating the who/what/where/when/how for her birthday party. You can see me ideas for this party on Pinterest.

So the menu has been a bit of a work in progress. Usually I’m all over that kind of stuff and have a menu made up a month before a party even starts. This time around, it’s a few days before the party and I’m still trying to come up with a final menu. Although, I think I have the final version… too many food choices!

I’ll share the menu here and please, please, please let me know what you think!! There will be 31 “adults” and 10 children ages 4 and younger. I say “adults” because a few are teenagers but for the sake of food they count as adults. And who am I kidding, some “adults” might as well count as children because we all know there’s a few who still act like it! But, all in good fun. They’re the party makers anyways, lol.

Kelsey’s 2nd Birthday Party Menu

Beverages:

Water
Soda
Juice Boxes
Beer (regular and gluten-free)
Sangria (aka mommy juice) – Raspberry Tequila Sangria or Berry Sangria?

Appetizers/Snacks:

Cheese and crackers (regular and gluten-free)
Veggies and dip
Grilled kielbasa with honey mustard dipping sauce
Gluten-free foccacia bread
Chips and dip

Dinner:

Hamburgers
Hot Dogs (I’m making these octopus hot dogs for the kids!)
Marinated chicken

and/or

Grilled Chicken with garlic, herbs and lemon
Baked beans
Fruit salad
Garden salad
Potato salad
Pasta salad
Corn on the cob
Jello salad (my MIL makes it, people like it, it’s an oldie but a goodie)

Dessert:

Chocolate cake (gluten-free)
Chocolate cupcakes (gluten-free)
Vanilla cupcakes (gluten-free)
Yellow cake cupcakes
Ice cream
some kind of cookie (probably gluten-free)

I know it seems like a lot but I’m also feeding a looot of people. This is the biggest party I’ve ever hosted by about 10-12 people. Holy stress batman. So PLEASE tell me what you think! Too much? Not enough? Octopus hot dogs are totally creepy?

I seriously can’t believe Kelsey is turning two…