2nd Birthday Party?

[KristyDi]

My DD's 2nd birthday is coming up. People, mostly family, keep asking me what we're doing. I htink it'd be nice to have a little event to celebrate. We didn't really do a aprty for her 1st birthday, but MIL came down and took DD and I to the GA aquarium.

I know part of the reason MIL and FIL keep mentioning it is that they really don't get to see DD as often as they'd like. MIL lives about 2 hours away and is physically disabled due to some injuries from a car wreck several years ago. FIL lives about an hour and a half away and cares for his medically fragile mother so he can't get away very often.

My family is very gracious and dosen't complain about working around MIL and FIL's issues when it comes to time w/ us at major holidays, even if it means they're inconvenienced. I don't want to go up to the IL's (if we take the whole day we can see both in one trip but it's very hard on us) because that would leave my family out of her birthday for the 2nd time.

I can't just invite everyone over because they wouldn't fit in my house. There would be 6 grandparents and 6 aunts and uncles if everyone came.

So I need ideas on low key, low cost 2nd birthday ideas that won't stress me out too much. Help.

[EmmysMama]

I've finally convinced myself that relatives don't have the right to demand to see DD1 on her birthday. It's HER birthday. I want to do something that she'll think is super fun that day. I'm trying to choose something I think she'd pick herself. I know she wouldn't choose to be in the car and go have an overwhelming party with adult relatives she doesn't know well.

I'm inviting the few other toddlers she plays with (like 4 of them), and their parents. That's it on her actual birthday. I haven't decided whether to set them up something fun in our yard, or take them to McDonald's ... something physical and out-of-the-ordinary, like an inflatable bounce house. If it's at home maybe I'll set them up with smocks and paint outside too.

My family can see her the weekend before. DH's family can see her the weekend after. I'll make another cake, I don't mind. They can watch her open their presents, maybe we'll have a picnic lunch or something, and that's it. I think it will be much less overwhelming for me AND her! It will make cleanup, handling the guests (we have a small house too), etc easier and help avoid gift overdose too.

If you really want to invite them all, and your house is too small, the only low-cost place I've been able to find is McDonald's (why I'm considering it).

[simplemama32]

Maybe a picnic at a local park? Since you're in GA, you probably have a better shot than most of having a nice, warmish day (though I know March weather is always questionable!).

Or if you have family or good friends close by, would any of them be willing for you to use their house or yard for a small, simple party?

I don't know...if there is something you know your DD would like to do (the zoo, the aquarium, etc.), you could do that. When people ask what the plan is for her bday, just say, "DH and I are taking her to XYZ, but if you'd like to join us, I know she would love it...the tickets cost $$ each and we'll be there at [time]. Hope you can make it!"

Otherwise, I'm sort of like the PP...mom, dad, and siblings only on the actual bday, and grandparents/everyone else can be worked around before or after.

[rightkindofme]

March is maybe iffy, but I would second the park suggestion. And do it potluck or byol (bring your own lunch) cause cheap is awesome.