Ruby's 4th Birthday Party In The Woods

A month ago I asked Ruby what kind of party she wanted this year expecting another version of Hello, Kitty or something pink involving princesses. Instead she asked if we could have a family party in the woods with a giraffe pinata (that she later decided should be a unicorn), black balloons, rainbow flowers, and chocolate cake. I told her we could easily do most of those.

We went with a black and white color scheme, added some zoo animals to a red velvet cake (which is basically chocolate, right?), and had a family party in the woods. We ran out of time getting balloons and flowers on our way because our daylight was almost gone on our side of the mountains but she didn't even notice. We quickly found a spot in Manitou with nearby parking and Brett took the kids on a little hike while I set things up.

I wanted to use a lot of things we already had on hand to keep the cost of this party to a minimum and realized keeping things simple in the food/drink department was key for a traveling family party. I picked up mint plates at Party City, had mint straws from a summer sale at Michael's, and used leftover mint fabric from a quilt project to make the garlands. I had leftover gold stars from Ruby's party last year so I just purchased another set of larger ones from Party City and incorporated gold seal stickers from Office Depot to make a fun circle garland.

Most of these decorations I'll be able to use again for the holidays or future parties. The striped fabric for the tablecloth was purchased from Wal-Mart of all places and draped over the large cardboard box I used to haul stuff in from the car. The wooden table was a DIY I did earlier this year that I use as a bedside table, the poles in buckets was a project I worked on this summer that got shelved because of a rough first trimester, and the picnic blanket was a last minute DIY that I may be sharing here soon. Resourcefulness, y'all!

Ruby was pretty excited about her party but not so excited about standing still for more than two pictures. I'm such a mean mom.

We had hot ham and cheese sandwiches, hot chocolate with giant marshmallows, apple juice, and red velvet cake. It was just enough to keep us warm and fill our bellies and with only 4.5 people in attendance, we didn't really need a ton of sides. Our party site was right next to a natural spring so there was a lovely little creek running under our space and a trail that went past us that brought lots of birthday wishes from walkers and hikers. Sebastian recognized a friend from class that was going to camp up on the mountain with his dad and sister and Ruby made friends with two giant, friendly dogs that were unleashed and almost ate our cake! I grabbed the sandwiches and the owner quickly called the curious dogs off before they got too bold. 

We were only there for about 45 minutes before we had to pack up due to darkness but it was such a special way to celebrate Ruby's 4th birthday and a fun memory I hope she'll carry with her. We love you Little Red!

 -Rachel

P.S. Ruby's first, second, and third birthday (that went largely undocumented somehow!). Each year I've tried to incorporate the vintage yellow sheet that we used as a backdrop for her newborn photos. You can spot them in the first two parties and it was the tablecloth for our third Hello, Kitty party at the park. This year we used it again as the tablecloth for her actual birthday morning breakfast celebration that included pancakes, pretty flowers, and all of the presents sent in from family across the country. This kid is loved!

Comments

[Carrie Sunday]

So cute. She looks like she had a ball. :) And HER BOOTS! Adorable!

[J]

This is AWESOME.

[Maria Eugênia Caminha]

I don't really know why, but I really like Ruby! hahah Seems she is such a great kid, full of personality. I've been a reader for a while, never left a comment before, but today I felt like it. This private party looks sweet, so simple and full of lovely details... I truly admire your DIY way of living. And happy birthday, Ruby! <3

Last thing: has anyone ever told you that you look like Lili Taylor? The other day I watched "The Conjuring" and I was like "U-O-W. She looks like that Smile & Wave gal in this one!" :) x

[Skapt]

This is SO cool!! Seriously. "Where the wild things are" meets "Moonrise Kingdom" meets Peter Pan meets ... some kind of Anthro photo shoot. Thanks for inspiring us!

[Kristi]

What a cute party idea! It looks like the best way to celebrate, and what a cute set up.

[Necole@seriouslysassymama]

I bet she is so happy to have her daddy home.

[ruthie]

Big gold star to you for setting all this up!! It all looks darling, and Ruby looks so happy. You set the bar high, lady!

[Rosie W]

Awh so sweet! Looks like she had a great time :)
Rosie x | Every Word Handwritten

[Kate @ Songs Kate Sang]

You create the most wonderful memories for your family!

[rachel]

this girl has vision. i like the way she thinks.

[Megan Lane]

oh man, wayyyy too adorable. can't believe how big she is!

[Sandi D]

Her face is priceless!!! And boy you sound like such a mean mom to me for a few photos, hehehe. I must be a mean mom for that matter too for all the photos I snap. Hopefully they'll appreciate it all later and thank us :)

[N.]

What a cool and awesome birthday celebration! You have great kids and little Ruby is adorable.

[Jeanee]

Ruby! She's growing up. Happy birthday girl!

[Casey]

Happy birthday Ruby! I love this idea of a little cozy family party. I will be doing this one day!

[hollysarah.]

Rachel, you're just the bomb. I love this! Way to make a birthday girl proud, and feel way loved. This party inspires me to take to the woods next time one of our littles turns a year older. Maybe not oscar's though... January in these parts is not for the faint of heart.

[Aida]

Happy Birthday Ruby! What a nice party :)

[Madelyn]

This is adorable! I love how her little personality shows in all these pictures. Happy Birthday Ruby!

onebluebicycle.blogspot.com

[Kara]

You are amazing!!! I love your parties, and you have given me the perfect idea of how to incorporate garland's for my son's 5th birthday party in the park! I love garlands, but was like, "how am I going to hang them this year?!" quick question, I see that you inserted a hook in the poles, but how did you keep them in the buckets? Cement? I'm sure it's as simple as that,but I just want to make sure! :) You are one rad mama my dear!!!!

[Jessica]

just darling! and I love the picnic in the woods was her idea! little genius!

[Lesley]

You sure know how to make a girl feel special! Ruby's smiles tell the whole story - another lifelong memory made there! You're totally rocking that whole motherhood thing! xox

[paula.strong]

You made one big 4 year old very happy. It was such a great personal party that i pray she remembers until she is old. LOVE the thumbs up picture!!!!

[Emily]

Ruby, you are awesome! Happy Birthday! Also, the set-up is adorable!

[LARY@Inspiration Nook]

This is the cutest thing ever!

[Ngaio]

Oh my goodness! This is the cutest little family picnic party ever!! I love your family and your creativity! :)

This is just what I want for my 21st! Haha, maybe just a little bit bigger ;)

Ngaio xx

[Kaisa]

This is the cutest party ever, love the decorations in the woods! Very inspirational! xx

[rstedem]

love this rachel...I expect to see this featured in a magazine soon..the pics are just wonderful as well. What did you use to string the garland with? It looks silver in color. I especially love the pics of Mr. "S" in his trapper hat and Miss "R" in her crown..perfect

[kayla]

This is tooo cute!! I love everything about it!! what a fun idea :)

[Sandy]

You are the greatest Mom ever! Such cool ideas. I can't believe she's already 4. I've been following you since Simon was younger than Ruby.

[Florence Farley "Cookie"]

Wonderful lookin party Rachel...ur so clever...and economical (I love that). Ruby is just the cutest getting to be such a big girl!! I was thinking of doing something similar for my daughters graduation party (the garland in the buckets), tell me how did you get them to stand up?I was figuring on cementing the sticks in...is that what u did???