The King Of The Wild Things
The King of the wild things.
Over the years, I've begun to develop an interesting relationship with birthdays. On one hand you're celebrating all the accomplishments someone has had throughout the year. It's a time to encourage that person and let them know how much you care. On the other hand it means you're getting older and as a parent it can mean your little baby is one year older.A little more independent.One year more grown up.One year closer to not needing mommy and daddy as much.Oh boy. When did I become such a sap!? I sat there staring at my little Lucas all day yesterday asking myself where the time has gone. Yes, I became that parent. I fully admit it and I know I'll be in the same mood, asking myself the same question on every birthday my kids have in the future.My husband and I have gone through so much with our little boy over this last year and look at him! You'd never guess! He is one of the bravest and strongest little two year olds I know which is why his birthday theme was easy to choose.He's my little wild thing.
Where The Wild Things Are
Every night my kids and I have the same routine. I tuck them into bed, kiss them, tell them just how much I love them, and then we have an adventure. We choose one of our favorite books and go off into a different land in our imaginations. Lately, it's been the same adventure over and over again. Not that my kids mind at all. They find new things to think about and their obsession for this book grows deeper with each page.
Where The Wild Things Are.
I loved this book when it fist came out, but as a mom it's pure gold. I have three little wild things of my own and I love reading it to them. The relationship between the mom and the little boy is beautiful. The little boy runs wild throughout the beginning of the book and ends up taking it to far with his mom. She sends him to bed without his dinner and he becomes angry.He gets so angry that his room turns into a jungle and he ventures off to the land of the wild things and he becomes their king. He gets to be as wild as his heart desires and realizes it's not enough. He gets lonely and wants to go back home. He decides he's done living with the wild things and ventures back home. When he gets back to his room he's reminded just how much his momma loves him with a warm bowl of soup.The mom was angry with her son too, but at the end of the day she couldn't let him go to bed without a full belly and she wanted to show him how loved he was.There are so many times I get frustrated with my own wild things, but at the end of the day their mine. I love their wild antics and their imaginations. Especially my little two year old's imagination. Everything is so much more unique to him. He finds something fun and beautiful about everything he sees.
Our Wild Birthday Party
Yesterday, we celebrated Lucas's 2nd birthday and turned our home into the land of the wild things!I was just as excited as my boys were to come up with fun decorations for the party and see where our imaginations could take us. The piece I was most eager about was the cake. Growing up, I remember my aunt making the most adorable cakes! She even passed her skill onto her kids. I had no idea how hard it could be until I tried making my first cake!Thankfully I've learned a few things through trial and error. I want my kids to remember my cakes as they grow up and be able to say...My mom makes the best cakes! I was up to the task for Lucas's party this week! After a lot of brainstorming and scouring Pinterest for inspiration, I came up with the perfect idea.
Chocolate Curls (Tree Bark)
Combine 1 bag of chocolate chips and 1 TBS coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl. Put the bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time and stir. Continue until your chocolate is completely melted.Spread the melted chocolate on a piece of parchment paper. Make sure the chocolate is spread evenly. Then roll up your parchment paper and put it in the fridge until it's cooled. When the chocolate hardens unroll it and voila. You have chocolate curls.
Assembling The Cake
Assemble your cake and ice it with chocolate frosting. Cover the outside of the cake with your chocolate curls. When the cake is covered with chocolate curls, dust it with cocoa powder.Cover the top with graham cracker crumbs. I added a bit of green food coloring to make it look like moss.
Where The Wild Things Are Party Snacks
Add a few outdoors-ey themed party snacks and your party is complete. These little smores on a stick were my favorite.