Caution: Work Zone Ahead

The day was finally here. After more than 3 months of party planning it all came to a screeching halt and I could watch my vision come to fruition. The theme, construction. The colors, orange and yellow. Instead of birthday hats we had hard hats and tool belts. And what construction themed birthday party would be complete without a few dump trucks.

Yes, I planned for 3 months BUT I knew how busy August would be for me and landing back in KC mid afternoon the day before the party wouldn't allow me much time to prepare. Luckily, Justin had already done the food and beverage shopping so all I needed to do was pick up the cupcakes. We worked away until almost midnight and then decided we better get a little bit of sleep since the party started at 10. Jenn and I made it over to the park just after 9 and immediately went to work morphing the shelter into a construction zone outfitted with multiple projects to keep all our little construction workers busy. We had a table full of play-dough and cookie cutters. We had a dump truck filled with chalk and buckets of bubbles. And we had a table where each worker could personalize their own hardhat and tool belt with stickers galore. Oh and did I mention the HUGE playground just feet away-it was perfect and so was the weather-we were in for a great SECOND birthday party.

Our little workers all started arriving one by one and soon enough we had 15 under 5 and laughter ensued. I couldn't have scripted a better morning-happy feet were everywhere.

The best part-we continued with tradition and in lieu of gifts we asked that everyone join us in donating a book to the boys and girls at Operation Breakthrough. Just like last year, the outpour of generosity was incredible and moving. We not only collected a few toys but we collected seventy books. Yes, you heard correctly, seventy as in 7 - 0! We are so thrilled to share these gifts with all the boys and girls at Operation Breakthrough and once again are in complete awe of our friends and family. Thank you, each and every one of you, for making Kaden's second birthday so special, for being so giving and for helping Justin and I teach our boys the gift of giving back.

Here are some candid shots from the birthday party to hold everyone over until we get the professional pictures back from Janie Jones! Can't wait to see all the special moments she was able to capture.