Brady’s third birthday party was so much fun. As his birthday started to creep up on us, I started to get that itch that I always get to throw a birthday celebration extravaganza, invite all of our friends and show off my best Pinterest-inspired party planning skills. But the thought of it made me tired. And uncomfortable. So this year… we went for easy fun and all about Mr. B.

Now, some of you veteran mamas are probably laughing at me because every Mama has to figure this out on her own… but I’m sure glad I did. This year’s party was all about Brady and celebrating the joy he brought to our family when he arrived three years ago on February 16, 2011. I worried I’d hurt the feelings of our friends with older kids and sent a few awkward text messages explaining that this year we were opting to keep B’s party small and for his little playgroup (those mama-friends of mine were so sweet and understanding and probably all “got it” a lot more than I realize because they too have travelled these roads) but it was a good choice. Instead of having older kids and friends we wanted there, we just invited B’s two and three year old friends and our families.

We asked him what kind of party he wanted to have and he, naturally, said he wanted a fire truck party. We’re lucky to live in Tampa where we were able to have a vintage fire truck and actively serving fireman swing by. The kids crawled all over the fire truck and even got to go for a ride. Afterward we had lunch and cupcakes and sang to our sweet boy. Most all of the favors and fire truck things were ordered with my Amazon Prime account because, well, that’s easy.

Clean up was minimal. Party prep was minimal. But birthday fun was overflowing for everyone. I wasn’t stressed about decorating or DIYing myself to death. And Brady had. a. blast. It was perfect. This whole get-back-to-what-matters thing is pretty awesome. Happy birthday, sweet boy. And thanks to all our friends for celebrating with us.

Oh and if anyone wants to just sit and sob with me. . . how about these comparisons. I can’t even handle them.

See B’s first and second birthday parties here and here.

xo,

Emily

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• Cupcakes: Cupcakes by Dusty
• Banner: I made it when B turned two in gold and white so that we can use it over and over and over…
• Fire hydrant cups: Amazon
• Fire extinguisher favors: Amazon
• Fireman Hats: Amazon
• Favor tags & fire man hat tags: I made all these in Illustrator. The favor tags had Brady’s little face on a firetruck and the fire hats had little white “badges” with each kiddo’s face on a firetruck (got them from their Mama’s Facebook pages) :)
• Invitations: I made these. :)
• Food: Publix Deli :)
• “3” Balloon: Amazon
• Fireman Tee: PersonaliTEE Shop on Etsy