After Charlie’s second birthday, Dave and I realized that planning a big party for every birthday was not going to be the right fit for our family. As fun as it was (and is!), we knew we wanted more kids, and that throwing even small parties for each kid each year was going to add up quickly. Wanting to be intentional about our approach, we discussed a few options and ultimately decided to go “all out” with parties for ages 1, 5, 10, and 16. I love this plan because it presents the opportunity for a party in each major stage–baby, little kid, big kid, and teenager. A person changes so much between each of those ages! We enjoyed sweet and memorable family days for Charlie’s third and fourth birthdays, while eagerly looking forward to his fifth birthday celebration. After presenting him with a few of my ideas, Charlie scrapped them all (ha!) and requested a race car party at home, complete with a piñata. I turned to two of my favorite party sources (Fernandina Paper Co. for paper goods and Meri Meri for decor) for vintage race car details that would satisfy both my car-loving boy and my Pixar-free preferences ;) We were blessed with a gorgeous day and had so much fun hosting Charlie’s closest friends in our backyard and on our porch!

I cherish past recaps of my kids’ birthday parties (Charlie’s first, Charlie’s second, Azelie’s first) and hope you’ll indulge me in sharing a few snaps from this one!

Invitations and welcome sign / Race car napkins / Race car cups / Streamers / 5 balloon / Race car balloon / 5 piñata / Teal plates / Confetti napkins / Teal flatware