Toddler Shower

This weekend we had the honor of having a "toddler shower" at our house. It was so much fun.  

There are several things that are dear to my heart. 

Adoption, friends and decorating! lol  

The third sounds trivial, I know, but it is so true. When I get to the chance to put all three of these things together I love it.

Some of our best friends are within weeks of embarking on their first adoption journey. They are heading to South Korea next month to bring home their son Anderson. My friend Katie and I were excited to jump on the idea of throwing a shower for them. Last Saturday night we invited lots of friends, decorated in a light-hearted Asian style, lit up the grill, started a  bonfire and kicked back for a good time. 

As guests arrived I knew there would be too many cars to park in the driveway so we needed to guide them. I painted a paper umbrella and hung paper lanterns to make sure no one missed the 'parking lot'. 

We lined the front walk with lanterns that were gently blowing in the soft spring breeze.  They bounced as they guided guests to the front door.

I wanted a welcome sign at the front door. I couldn't think of a better way than to paint another umbrella with a Peacock, which is legendary all over Asia, it also just reminds me of my dear friend Kate. The characters on the umbrella say "Welcome"

We started the party inside with gift opening and finger foods. Potstickers, spring rolls, and a trey of fruit. While the gifts were being opened most of the kids, ok ALL of the kids and some grown up kids went outside to run off some steam. 

They played soccer and

freeze tag. I was amazed at how well all the kids played together. Only one injury occurred which of course was my daughter.  She and Pierson collided and her face met the ground with a vengeance. She has a nice strawberry on her upper cheek to show for it.

We had several choices for dinner. We didn't want anyone to get confused between

the regular burgers and the one of a kind Asian burgers so we marked them with chalkboard markers and set those in little herb planters.

The cake... if you could see the cake I got the idea from mine doesn't look so good, but without that cake to compare to this one turned out great! PS if anyone needs blue icing anytime soon let me know. I made way to much! I probably have enough for three more cakes! lol  (I was afraid I would run out and wouldn't be able to mix the same color of blue again.)  :o

We ate and relaxed.

We talked with friends and family.

We just enjoyed the evening. 

The kids played corn hole

and enjoyed the s'more table!

For one newly adopted friend this was the first ever s'more experience.

The jury is in... he liked it!

Maylin and K had a great time hanging out.

All too soon it was time to head home and get the kid-o's in bed.  It truly was a perfect evening. The weather was amazing. The company was lovely. The cause was perfect. I am so excited for my dear friends Kate and Andy. 

One can have lots of friends and lots of reason to be bonded to friends but I must say that there is an amazing bond between adoptive families. Some adopt only after trying to have biological children,  some adopt after having biological children and some adopt without ever trying for biological. No matter how they got there, there is something unique that each adoptive family has to share with the other. Something special.  

Maybe it is that we all, in the end, have learned to love someone not from our flesh. We have all been through the trials, the questions, the stares (if your child doesn't look like you). Most of us have raised ridiculous amounts of money. And all of us have learned that a child is a child and every child deserves the love and support of a family. And that, in the end, I think is what makes us all family. 

Happy Adoption Journey Kate and Andy! I can't wait to meet Anderson face to face!