Ava's Football-Themed Second Birthday Party

Our baby girl turned TWO on February 3 (more on that to come), and we celebrated the Saturday before her birthday with a football-themed party. 

I loved the idea of a football theme not only because it was Superbowl weekend, but also because it goes against the stereotypical little girl birthday party theme. Plus, we live in Texas, where football is pretty much a religion and even girls (myself included) are enamored with the sport. 

The party turned out just as I had imagined...

{Invitation: Etsy. Birthday Banner: Etsy. Chalkboards: Made with foam board, chalkboard contact paper, and liquid chalk markers. Balloons and Gift Bags: Party City. Thank You Tags: Etsy. Foam Fingers, Pom Poms, and Gift Bag Goodies: Oriental Trading.}

We had a plethora of food on hand, including popcorn, fruit salad served in a football helmet watermelon (that was expertly carved by Josh), mini-hot dogs, dill dip with veggies, chips and queso,  Frito pies, and of course, Chick-fil-uggats. 

{Football Field Popcorn Containers: Oriental Trading. Football Bowls: Party City. Football Field Table Cloth: Amazon.}

There were plenty of desserts as well, including cupcakes, cookies, Bluebell ice cream cups (which I attempted to display in a football shape…not so sure how that turned out), Reece's peanut butter footballs, and Cookie Butter Pretzels. Do yourself a favor and make some of those pretzels…they are ridiculously good. 

{Concessions Sign and Football Helmet Cupcake Toppers: Etsy. Cupcakes, Cookies, and Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Panini Bakery. Wooden Spoons: Amazon. Reese's Footballs: Amazon.}

In sticking to my adult-beverages-should-be-served-at-kid-birthday-parties rule, we also had some "Grown-up Gatorade" (rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, sprite, limes, and a little green food coloring). Just because I can't drink doesn't mean all the other adults should suffer. 

{Paper Straws: Amazon. Chalkboard Tags: Michael's}

As evidenced below, both the adult beverages and the Frito pies were a hit. 

We had a wonderful group of family and friends join the festivities (and yet I didn't manage to get pictures of many of the adults).

I love that the cousins showed up in their jerseys. The eye-black stickers were also a huge hit with all the kids.

Even Grampsie sported some eye-black upon Ava's request :).

Despite the chilly weather, we all spent a good bit of time outside. 

{Football Games: Oriental Trading. Ava's Jersey: Etsy.}

Then it was cupcake time! Ava wasn't quite sure what to think when everyone was singing, but she certainly loved blowing out the candle (with a little help from Mom). 

And she really loved the cupcake…

As well as all her gifts...

This baby doll bed from Grammie and Papa is extra special, because it was built by Ava's great-great-grandfather when Betsy was a little girl. So cool! And so perfect because Ava loves playing "night night" with all her dolls and stuffed animals. 

It was such a fun party, and Ava loved every minute of it!

Finally, one of my all-time favorite pictures. Cracks. Me. Up. 

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!