A 2-Year-Old's Tailgate

We love football. The American tradition. My husband’s more of a college fan, but I prefer the pros. The daughter of a Lions blue-and-silver diehard father and a former sports reporter, I crave the 50-yard touchdown passes, away game upsets and rival match-ups that become etched in history (did anyone catch the Michigan v. Notre Dame game??). 

Many childhood memories are scattered across the Lion’s old Silverdome. Sitting next to my Dad, stretched across open seats under the large viewing screen. Barry Sanders running wild. Chris Spielman’s fearlessness. Usually, a Lions loss was uncovered early and fans would filter out. The two of us would sneak down to the first tier, 50-yard line. Despite endless losing seasons, the Lions are – as in many Michiganers – a big passion in life.

When we discovered the Lion’s home opener was scheduled on Jack’s 2^nd Birthday Party day, it was hard to resist a tailgate. He may not be a blue-and-silver fan yet, but he throws his arms up yelling “touchdown” whenever his Daddy howls at a game. Has several Michigan team jerseys. Can spike a football. And, enjoys great tailgate food.

We stocked the deck with coolers & canvas folding chairs. Grilled hot dogs and brats. I slow-cooked homemade chili, baked cheesy potatoes. Added some chips, dips & sweet snacks. 

 

We wore the gear. Tatted our arms with Lions logos.

Jack's football field cake created by a local bakery.

What 2-year-old doesn't love balloons?

Football decor, Lions coasters.  Game on.

Played with friends. Ate cake. Opened presents.

Happy Birthday, little Bear. Two years of treasures, silliness, thrills & laughter. 

You fill up my life.

Fishing Around Party Ideas

Jack’s 2nd Birthday is less than a month away. In the new baby hoopla of revamping bedrooms, doors, bathroom, the office and hallway, I misplaced my party-planner hat. I could drive easy street to Party City, but how creative is that?

Sipping my only allowed cup of caffeinated coffee this morning, I started brainstorming inspiration:

No. 1, theme: Project Nursery – Birthday Party

Whimsical. Chic. Modern. Trendy. Loving the Three Bears theme, I thought of Jack’s current favorite books. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish. Blue Fish. An absolute favorite.

Theme. Check.

No. 2, decorations: Seuss Land & craft stores

Combine One Fish Two Fish cut-outs & stackable blocks with a few of my own story-inspired crafts and the quirky story should come to party.  Other possibilities include funtocollect.com, fish-a-a-bag soaps from Etsy. Thanks to one of my favorite blogs – hostessblog – Seuss’s Happy Birthday to You book will be out for guests to sign a message for Jack.

Décor. Check.

No. 3, treats: Family Fun recipes & such

Who knew there were so many ways to incorporate fish on dessert? I’m thinking some School-o-Fish treats from Family Fun, cupcakes with red & blue icing and various fish candies.

Sweets. Check.

No. 4, food: Fishy style

My own thought is tiny tea sandwiches, cut into fish shapes. A set of homemade tuna salad on wheat & set of chicken salad with grapes on white. Sides of red and green tortellini pasta salad, appetizers of ham/cheese pinwheels and veggie tray.

For a party-themed drink I’m thinking pink lemonade with sliced yellow lemon and squiggle straws. 

Eats. Check.

No. 5 & Final, favors & gifts

I’m still considering the fish-in-a-bag idea. But, here’s a few others I’m tossing around:

Tiny fishbowls with colorful candy

Deck of Go Fish cards

Swedish fish tied in a bag

Gifts. Well, sort of check.

---

"From there to here,

from here to there,

funny things are everywhere."

- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss