Evan's 2nd Birthday Party at the Knight Speedway

We had Evan's 2nd Birthday Party on his official birthday, Saturday, August 7.  The party theme was based around the Disney/Pixar movie "Cars."  One of Evan's favorite movies.  The timing was perfect for this theme because you can get "Cars" merchandise at pretty much every store.  Plus, I found several genius ideas on the Internet.  We were not intending to have his second birthday party to be too elaborate, but I kept finding more and more fabulous ideas online and well the party kind of took on a life of it's own.  However, who doesn't want the world for their baby.  Jim and I wanted Evan to have the best birthday and well I think we gave it all we had.  Here is a recap of his special day. 

The party began with all the birthday guests being greeted by "Greeny" our car in the driveway, who was transformed into one of the "Cars" characters for the big event by Daddy.

And then they came to the door, where they entered the "Gateway to Evan's Birthday Party."

The start of the party had everyone participating in our three arrival games.

Station One, manned by Aunt Alison, "Cars" Coloring Pages.  Pictured below you can see, Aunt Alison, Evan, and his buddies Jude and Eli with their mommies Jo and Paula enjoying the activity. 

Station Two, manned by Grandma Thompson, "Ramone's House of Body Art", "Cars" Tattoos.  These were a big hit.  Jude was the first to get in on the fun. 

 Evan loved it too and kept coming back for more.

He had them all over his arms.  Here he is with Great Grandma Shirley, who was helping him show them off to Jude. :) 

Station Three, manned by Grandpa Thompson, "Sheriff's DMV", license plate making.  Pictured below are my Dad and Carly with Macy and Cameron assembling their licenses.

Here are some of the other kids putting their plates together too with the help of their parents and Grandpa Thompson.  I am passing out some of the license plate packets. 

After the kids made their license plates they got to choose which color car they wanted for the races that would follow the arrival games at the Knight Speedway.  Once a car was selected we then glued all the licenses to the cars and got the kids outfitted for the big race.  Below Tyler picks out his car with his mommy, Natalie.  He choose the white one.

 

Here is adorable Brittney, with her Daddy, Jeremy, in her pretty pink car ready for the races.  In the background is Evan's beautiful Grandma Shirley.

Here is my artsy pic of all the cars (minus Jude's).

Now to the race.  Once everyone was outside for the races the line up began.  All the Dad's and Mom's worked to get the children into position.  I love how Jim is giving a kiss to Evan.  Precious!

Here are the competitors, up close and personal.  From left to right, Evan, Brittany, Cameron, Tyler Macy, and Jude.

The first race was to run from the start line to the finish line, basically a run of a few feet on the grass.  Macy was the clear winner of the race in the picture below.  Evan didn't even move.  See him in the back.  We did this race twice, and Macy won both times and Evan didn't move for both games.  Hilarious!   

Here is a close up of the birthday boy in his red car, like Lightening McQueen.  He is very serious about his racing. :)

The second race had the kids moving in a circle.  I tried to demo.  You can see my cool moves in the background. :) 

I love this picture during the race.  It looks like some paparazzi are there. :)

We also attempted to do a more complicated race where the kids ran around some tires.  It turned into a crazy free for all, but I think everyone loved it just the same.

After the races the kids got to enjoy the play structure, bubbles, and our pretty stones in the backyard.  Our fabulous friends the Waltons gave us this Lightening McQueen Bubble Maker.  It was just perfect for the party.  Thank you so much!

Here are Tyler and Brittney playing with the pretty stones.  The kids love pretending they found treasure.  These stones came with our house. :)

Here they are playing some more.  Don't you just love Evan's hair in this picture with the static from the slide?!?!  So fun!

Also, during this time everyone got to eat at FLO's V-8 Cafe.

I had fun coming up with creative names for all the dishes.

Then after lunch, came the cake and the singing. :)

This was the first time I have every made a cake with cool decorations, etc.  It was so much fun and the best part was it was for my boy.  It was a figure eight race car cake. 

 

I also did cupcakes for the kids.  With fun toothpick sign decorations.

 

 
Evan had the best time blowing out his candles this year.

He also loved being sung too!

Here we are helping him blow out the candle.

He especially loved eating his cupcake.  Yummy, yummy, yummy!  Chocolate is the best!

This picture is precious.  Time for a quick Lightening McQueen break with Tyler.

Here are some of the kiddos enjoying their cakes with the birthday boy.  I love all the chocolate lips.

After dessert, it was present time.  Evan was so excited to open each item.  He really got into the gifts this year, and kept saying "Open, open."  My favorite part of the presents is how all the little kids come and sit right next to the birthday boy to see what he gets.  Adorable!

It was such a special day for all of us.

Look at that smile.

This is one happy little boy.

He got so many wonderful gifts.

Here he is opening another one; this picture is cool because it shows off the back of his special birthday shirt.

He was thrilled to get a case for all of his cars.

After the presents were were able to get a great group picture of all the kids at the party with Lightening, Mater, and Sally, minus Jude and Eli who had to leave early and the little babies, Evie, Ariel and Brooklyn.  Pictured from left to right are Tyler, Austin, Macy, Savannah, Gavin, Brittney, Evan, and Cameron.  What a fabulous group of munchkins!

Lastly, here are some miscellaneous pics from that day.

Evan with his chocolate pretzel, a.k.a. dipstick.  I think he likes it!

Mom and Dad with the birthday boy and his chocolate face :)

Grandma Knight was on Evie duty during the party. She was loving her job. :)

The Moons, Baby Brooklynn, Jeremy, and Jennifer.  Daughter Brittney is pictured above. :)

The Wisners, Dave, Tyler and Natalie and Baby Girl. :)

Taking a break to enjoy the food from Flo's, Carolyn, Alison, Paula and Eli. :)

My sister-in-law Debra and brother Rhett, along with my Grandma and Dad also enjoying their lunch.

Here are friends Rachel and Mike, and Bethany and Travis catching up at the event.

Finally, at the end of the party, the kids received their "Cars" Party Bags, and Prizes for the races.

Pictured below you have one tired and super pleased little 2 year old with his family and Grandma Thompson.

Thank you everyone for helping Evan to have the best 2 year old birthday ever!  We love you!  Also, special thanks to all my photographers (Debra, Jenn, Dad, and Natalie) and my cameraman (Rhett).  You guys rock!