Hi there friends. Last week, the second son of our dear friends Helene and Thiago, Hadrian, turned 1. In addition to being a gorgeous baby, Hadrian has such an easy, fun personality. My kids love playing with him and his older brother, Heitor. With this adorable young family due to visit us for dinner last Saturday night, we decided to turn the evening into a simple birthday party for little Hadrian. Here’s what we did. Oh, and feel free to weigh in with your simple birthday party ideas.

First up, the cake. My kids love brownies so we turned our regular old brownie recipe into a round cake. I was hoping to have some icing with which to write Hadrian’s name, but we were out. A simple paper sign and one candle that wasn’t even a birthday candle later, and we were good to go. When necessary, wing it, mamas! Next up, homemade cards aka the girls’ art project for Saturday. Marielle drew and cut out a photo of herself holding Hadrian’s hand. Priceless.

Got some fun birthday ideas you use for home parties? Share them below and enter our weekly giveaway! Annaliese’s card had a single cut out and many happy wishes. Marielle, Helene, Thiago and the birthday boy. Older brother Heitor (Hector) joining in. Helene being French and Thiago Brazilian, their boys have cross-cultural names that translate well from French to English to Portuguese. Marielle playing big sister, the role she wish she had. Settled in Brooklyn since last year, Helene and Thiago have started to make their way as young parents in the U.S. Both working full time and balancing two under 3, they’ve got their hands full. I feel so grateful to have this cute little family close by. The sister of one of my best friends Sarah, Helene’s the most real person I know with a contagious laugh and a zest for living that’s contagious. Warm, supportive and up for anything, Thiago is her perfect life partner. As a 12 year old, Helene used to ask me, “Melissa, do you think one day I’ll be married and have kids?” Over 20 years later, look where we are. It’s heartwarming to see her married now with a growing family.

Thanks for reading and check back in this week for some more fun content.

Melissa

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