I've got two spring babies in my house. Their birthdays are 10 days apart. We tried the shared birthday party, once. They both really felt like they wanted their own special day, I don't blame them. But long ago, I decided that two birthday parties, barely a week apart, was too much for this mama. We decided we would do parties, every other year, and if I was smart, I would have staggered one per year, but somehow we ended up doing 2 parties every other year. My main focus besides celebrating my girls, is simpicity.

This year the parties ended up being scheduled the same weekend, and thankfully both girls decided to celebrate at the beach! We invited just a handful of close friends, and kept the party essentials to the bare minimum, since we had to carry it all out there!

Once we made it to the beach, the entertainment was already built in, the water! We also had a couple fun games, and a treasure hunt. Treasure Hunts at the beach are always so much fun! For the most part, neither of my girls wanted too much structure to their parties, but wanted the freedom to do what felt like fun in the moment.

Ginger turned eleven this year and requested Gingerbread cupcakes and Ginger ale to drink! Add a few snacks, some water, and we had a party! Ruby, now 14, had her mind set on a pink champagne cake from the spectacular Madonna Inn bakery. This was actually the first time I ever bought a cake, and it was the best decision I ever made!

Does it really get any better than your closest friends, and giant pink cake and the ocean?