Rae's "Apple" Party

Rae turned 2 this past week and on Saturday we celebrated with an "Apple" themed party. We decided on an "Apple" theme because we are hoping to purchase an i-pad for Rae to use for communication and therapy (I swear we are not even loading Angry Birds onto it!). When I initially picked this theme, I struggled over adding the wording into the invitations asking party goers to consider a donation towards the purchase of her i-pad in lieu of toys or clothes (we have tons of both, especially since she still plays with baby toys). Ultimately, after consulting my Mom and a few friends, I added the wording and asked for money. We felt it was better to ask for something we actually needed than to receive items we didn't or, heaven forbid, toys that she isn't even developmentally ready for right now (that would have stressed me out).

So, here's is how my "Apple" Party came together (I admit I'm quite proud...<patting self on back>):

Apple invitation made using an apple as a stamp.

All you need is an apple cut in half lengthwise, paint & brush, 

a couple of sharpies, a stencil, and a ruler.

Retro Apple Cheese Ball

You can use any cheese ball recipe for this one. I also used smoked paprika for added flavor. The cheese ball had a little kick to it from the tabasco & cayenne pepper.

Here's where I found the recipe:

Always Order Dessert: Retro Apple Cheese Ball

Apple Slaw with Poppy Seed Dressing

This was a HUGE hit and everyone wants the recipe.

I cheated a little and used pre-shredded cabbage mix.

Here's where I found the recipe:

Simply Scratch: Apple Cabbage Slaw with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Apple Pie Cake

This cake is absolutely delicious! It is super moist, made with applesauce, and has a lovely caramel buttercream icing that was simple to make. I LOVE this cake!

Here's where I found the recipe:

Snixy Kitchen: Apple Pie Cake

Apple Cupcakes

I used the Apple Pie Cake recipe for the cupcakes, cut a hole in the middle using an apple corer and filled them with the pie filling (chopped up). They are just as moist and yummy as the cake above and my Mom thought they were just as tasty without the icing.

Here's where you can find the directions:

Edible Crafts: Apple Cupcakes

(Hers look WAY better, but I waited too long to photograph them and the mint leaves wilted. Oops!)

My decorations were pretty simple (I do not claim to be an over achieving mom) and this one I came up with on my own. I used foam apple cut out and then taped pictures of Rae from the last year on each side. Then I poked a hole in the top and hung them up using fishing line. I love it so much I'm leaving them up for awhile.

Here's the cake table.

Happy Birthday to you.....

Blowing our her candle (Mimi helped).

No one had to tell her what she was supposed to do with the cake!

She loved playing with her new toy from Doc and Mom H.

After a sing-a-long of Itsy Bitsy Spider and Patty Cake 

with G-Boss our little girl was tuckered out!

Happy Birthday Rae!

*Since the Apple party, Rae has just over half the amount we need for her i-pad/case/app. Thank you to everyone for the generous gifts (and not thinking I'm horribly rude for asking for money).

**Big thank you for Aunt R. for making Rae's birthday dress.

***Another big thank you to Auntie Nona for helping me get our home ready for the party. I couldn't have done it all without you (and Mimi and Daddy)!