Enjoy the Journei

"Happy birthday to the girl who stole my heart." – Unknown.

I remember April 25, 2020, so vividly-the somber mood that drenched my spirit because of the global shutdown due to COVID-19. Waking up that morning knowing that I would not be able to properly celebrate my baby girl, with all the pomp and circumstance that comes with your child’s first birthday party, hurt my heart.

There is the true joy in celebrating the formative years. Little did I know the blessing that was to come exactly 365 days later. Journei’s 2nd birthday party was exciting, to say the least, but as a mom, celebrating your child's life is a milestone, and many times you want to share that moment with the world. Every significant moment, every accomplishment, every new word, every new adventure, every major and minor success that culminate the moments of parenthood are all recognized on your baby’s birthday.

I do not have the words to adequately describe how amazing it felt to celebrate my baby’s 2nd birthday with our family and friends. It was a total vibe, and this day was even more cherished because, after a year of isolation and separation, we could finally reunite and feel normal.

LET’S PLAY

Playland Indoor Playground and Cafe is a local family-owned indoor playground located outside of Charlotte, NC, that offers an affordable day of fun with an interactive space for both kids and adults to enjoy. Playland is more than just a playground for kids; it is a community space to host fun events within a comfortable and inviting oasis for everyone to grow and make great memories. Parents can watch their child have a blast in the indoor playground and watch from the comfy cafe and relaxing in a massage chair while sipping delicious locally roasted caffeinated sensations from the coffee bar. With uber clean amenities (they even clean their balls-literally), with weekly cleanings and a huge ball cleaning machine that disinfects the play area, parents have an added layer of comfort.

Watching Marri and Journei live their best life while playing with their friends and family during the celebration was epic, and it was the perfect place to host her 2nd birthday party festivities.

Taco 'bout delicious!
A party is not complete without delicious food to accompany the vibes. Journei, aka Binky, like her mama, loves to eat tacos, Quesabarria tacos to be exact. Thanks to social media, these delicious Quesabirria tacos—a hybrid between a quesadilla and a taco, with a distinctly red color, served with cheese and the juices from the cooking process (consommé) also known as the ‘baby oil” to dip the tacos in, are scrumptious. Local chef and entrepreneur Mariah with Meals by Mariah catered the party featuring her fresh and delicious Quesabirria tacos for our guests. Not only do we love supporting minority-owned female businesses, but we also love indulging in delicious food that is unique while being served with the highest level of customer service. Mariah provided that and more, plus plenty of delicious baby oil to dip her decadent tacos in.

LET’S DANCE

What created the ultimate vibe at the party? Three words, DJ Fannie Mae. She set the tone early with classic throwbacks from Prince, Erykah Badu, and Outkast. DJ Fannie Mae elevated our experience. I know; you ask, why does a two-year-old need a DJ at her birthday party? Because a kid's party is just as much for the kids to celebrate, as it is a time for the adults and especially the parents to catch a vibe also.

To accompany the mood set by DJ Fannie Mae’s tunes, QC Booth provided a super cool 360 photo booth to capture each angle of our guest. Not only did the guest love it, but the babies enjoyed making these cool videos with their parents.

LET’S SING

You can’t have a Minnie Mouse-themed party and not have Mickey and Minnie show up to serenade the birthday girl. With Imagination Clubhouse, Mickey & Minnie made their grand entrance and definitely elevated the moment. The kids went nuts when Mickey and Minnie entered Playland lit just in time to blow out the candles. They also made balloon animals and swords for the kids during the party which was a huge hit.

Balloons, Balloons, and More Balloons

A child’s party calls for tons and tons of balloons. So with this in mind, I recruited one of my childhood friends and uber-talented event decor designer, Sharelle Harlan. Sharelle created unique and festive balloon garlands, a giant letter J, a giant number 2, and a massive Minnie Mouse emblem all filled with colorful pink and pastel balloons. Sharelle’s creative genius also featured a few glitter elements, which added that extra sparkle to the decor.

Cake, Cupcakes, Cookies, Candy Anyone?

I dabbled in my creative juices for this party by ordering a delicious cake and cupcakes from SAMS Club Bakery. I requested a plain iced cake and regular cupcakes and took a chance decorating it myself. The cupcakes came out adorable, but the cake struggled to say the least. I ordered the cupcake toppers and sprinkles from Amazon, and Journei and I decorated her cake and cupcakes.

I love to send each partygoer with a little something sweet to reminisce on their amazing time so I ordered custom Minnie & Mickey gift bags from Alexus Houston Designs to accompany the cutest custom cookies from a local baker. Candy bags are a cool way to thank your guest for enjoying the special moment, and the kids love the little trinkets and candy to enjoy on the car ride home from the festivities.

Friends & Family

The best part moment from this party was watching our close friends and family come together to celebrate life. 2020 was a tough year, and sometimes because of Covid and the pandemic, I felt consumed with cancellations, postponement, isolation, and sadness. At this moment, during this amazing party, filled with laughter and joy, we celebrated life. The life of a beautiful, intelligent, fearless, and feisty toddler name Journei Ali, and for this, I am forever grateful.

Relive The Magic from our special day through the lens of Donald Wilson.  

Thank you to my brother Brandon Grate Photography for capturing the moment.