we play loud

For Meredith’s 2nd unicorn-themed birthday, I decided to make her unicorn cake myself and I basically couldn’t even stomach looking at any kind of frosting for another month. Making cakes always sounds like a fun/easy idea, but always turns out to be way more of a mess and work than anticipated.

Using a YouTube video as a tutorial, I made a six-layer cake from scratch with each layer a different color of the rainbow and then added on the cream cheese frosting. It was a labor of love, and ever since the party, I’ve seen the unicorn theme decor and cakes everywhere! My friend even texted me a picture of a unicorn cake like this one from our local Albertson’s… and it was only $40! That would definitely have been worth it since this cake took so long, but she assured me mine tasted better! You won’t remember your party, Meredith, but I hope you appreciate it when you look back later on!

I drove to the party place, We Play Loud, early to set up while Jake was in charge of getting the kids up from naps and to the party.

The party coordinator at We Play Loud was really helpful and we had the entire room set up in less than an hour.

I don’t know why I also decided to make and frost the cupcakes from scratch myself when cupcakes from our local grocery store are really cute and cheap. It was a little too much work! I also made some “unicorn swirl” chocolate popcorn.

The party favors were little unicorn bags with small toys and stickers inside and unicorn bath bombs for some of the older kids and adults who wanted one.

Let’s get this party started.

My friend’s daughter, Lily, offered to help out with the face painting and she was in high demand the entire party. There was a line out the door!

Samantha the birthday sister.

Addison, Quincy and Kennedy wait for an opening in the face painting queue.

Avery and Amelia pose in the rainbow backdrop photo booth that I made from plastic tablecloths.

When is it time for food?

Hugging her BFF, Maple.

Jodi and the cutie Corbin.

Meredith chills with Amelia, Kennedy S., Olivia, Kennedy B., Addison and Quincy.

Dog pile with Owen.

Queen Meredith on her throne surveying her loyal subjects.

Diva Maple with her hands on her hips.

After playing in the play area, we gathered the kids in for Chick Fil A and kabobs/rice/Greek salad from Luna Grill for the grown-ups.

The boys didn’t seem to mind the girly unicorn theme– Sebastian loved it!

Time to cut the cake.

So sad we had to destroy the cake! But it looked pretty cool!

We definitely didn’t want to take any more sweets home, so we gave everyone huge slices!

Happy 2nd birthday to our precious unicorn!

Meredith and the twins had a blast partying with their friends and everyone went home in a sugar coma! We all went to bed early that night and waited to unload all the decor from the car and opened presents the next day when we had all recovered! We Play Loud is always awesome for parties, although the one thing that went wrong was that our slideshow wouldn’t play on their TV.

Soundless slideshow:

Lots of love,

While I had so much fun choosing the themes and putting together the girls’ Baby Love and Dr. Seuss birthday parties the past two years, for this year’s birthday party, the girls were in charge! I initially thought I would need to present a few options of party themes so the girls could consult each other and agree upon one, but I should have known better. They instantly and unanimously chose a princess theme (DUH).

On the way to the party!

Months before Meredith joined our family, we booked their party at We Play Loud since I knew I wouldn’t want to be dealing with putting together a party with a newborn in the house. It was perfect having it somewhere where all the kids could be entertained and with very little set-up involved.

Kyle was our dedicated party host and helped with everything from unloading food and decorations from the car to setting up the tables and directing people where to go. He even brought the presents to the car afterwards. Thanks, Kyle!

Besides the initial rush of set-up, it was very low key and non-stress, especially compared to parties in the past. Chick-Fil-A even delivered the majority of the food for us, so I pretty much did nothing. Exactly as planned.

My only complaint with We Play Loud was that they only let us come to unload and set up a few minutes in advance. Thank you to my dad, and family and friends who jumped in to help set up. Thanks to my mom as well for staying at home to watch Meredith so I could focus on the girls.

The cupcake dress cakes from Cinderella Cakes turned out cute; although, based on taste, I’m mad I didn’t make them myself! Live and learn.

Let’s get this party started.

Prince Noah arrived and the party could officially begin.

Phil and the adorable Maya.

Lily and Samantha.

Lovely ladies: Phi, Sheela and Amy.

The twins had a blast tagging along with Kennedy.

Nate and Parker bouncing out all their energy.

Riding the octopus with Noah.

The Erpelding family knows how to party!

Last year, we had Cat in the Hat and Elmo come to play games with the kids and do face painting, and the girls still talk about it. When I asked the girls who they would like to come this year, Samantha specifically requested Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. They haven’t seen the movie, but the book is a favorite of the twins’. Amelia just wanted a princess, but didn’t seem to have anyone particular in mind, so we went with Samantha’s choice.

When Aurora made her grand entrance to the party, Samantha wouldn’t have anything to do with her. I’M THREE, STUBBORN, AND MAY CHANGE MY MIND ON A WHIM.

Amelia wasn’t too quick to warm up either.

At least Amelia consented to get her face painted.

Amelia requested a Frozen-themed design. I asked Samantha several times throughout the party if she would like to change her mind and get her face painted, but she refused every time. Sigh.

At least the other kids were excited about Princess Aurora!

Sebastian the Spiderman.

Lily tried to convince Samantha to get a design, but no luck.

Owen’s turn.

Avery, the cute kitty.

Waiting in line.

We had quite the crowd. It was so cute seeing all the kids together and we loved hanging out with our friends, too!

Samantha had a great time showing Lily all the photos in the slideshow.

Time to eat.

Parker entertained the girls.

Princesses Maliyah and Allie chow down.

Interrupting their dinner with silliness. Just like at home.

Princess Jadyn.

Princess Kennedy.

Princesses Avery, Lily, Amelia and Samantha.

Proof I was there.

More shenanigans.

The moment the girls had been waiting for– cupcake time.

Samantha tolerated Sleeping Beauty for a photo… but only after being bribed with a cupcake.

Kyle lit the candles.

Happy birthday to you!

Young, wild and three!

Having their cake and eating it too.

In case you were wondering, that’s how princesses eat cupcakes.

The princesses received wands, tiaras, rings and princess tattoos in their goody bags while the princes went away with crowns, blow up swords and some Star Wars stickers. Good thing I had extra star wands on hand, because most of the boys wanted one of those too. Thanks for coming, Princess Olivia!

Bidding farewell to Princesses Camdyn and Addison.

Queen Amelia said goodbye to all the lords and ladies from the comfort of her throne.

Queen Samantha didn’t feel bad at all that she had snubbed Princess Aurora, even after the princess bestowed her with a little coloring book birthday present.