Is it just me or have birthday parties for kids changed since I was a kid? For my first and second birthday, the only photos I’ve ever seen have been of me in a highchair with a face full of chocolate cake. Oh how times have changed! The weekend before Christmas I attended two parties: one for my two-year-old niece, Caroline, and one for my best friend’s one-year-old daughter, Alyssa. It was a nice break from the holiday commotion.

My best friend used her mother’s house as the venue for Alyssa’s party. While I could only stay for a little while (I had another family gathering scheduled for the same time), I couldn’t help but see all of the details that went into making this day special. From the decorated high chair, to the customized sub sandwiches shaped like the letter “A” and the number “1” to the pink balloons that Alyssa kept pointing at, the party was meant to be all about the birthday girl.

My sister decided to throw Caroline’s fun fete at her favorite place to hang out, Gymboree. When I found out where it would be, I kind of flinched. While I love kids, the thought of 15 two-year-olds running wild on jungle gyms and padded mats brings my stress level up. It’s not how I would normally spend a Sunday afternoon. But of course, as a Savvy Auntie, I was going to be there.

I was pretty much the only one at the party who wasn’t a parent.

I arrived, camera in tow, ready to take pictures of all of the fun and frolicking. Then it hit me. I was pretty much the only one at the party who wasn’t a parent. My sister and her husband were busy with party duties and my other sister and her husband were watching after my nephew, Aidan. I was put in charge of taking pictures and grabbing addresses from some of the parents for thank you notes. I wasn't really there to play, besides the jungle gym was only up to my shoulder. So my job as an aunt was to help out as much as I could, which I did very happily while I watched Caroline and her guests have the time of their lives.

Part of my job was to hold things. I had a stack of envelopes in one hand, my camera in another and it got to the point that my sister hung her camera around my neck. It was so funny we had to take a snapshot.

Overall, the day was a huge success. The kids went crazy running around after bubbles and balloons. The kids had a great time, especially Caroline, who at one point was so overwhelmed with excitement, she decided to lie down in the middle of the floor and rest her head for a minute! The only time the group was quiet was when they were treated to special Blue’s Clues cupcakes, Caroline’s favorite!

And of course, I made sure to take photos of her with her own face full of cupcake. I guess some things never change.