Since the kids’ birthdays are relatively close together and they still share many of the same friends, I have decided they will have a joint b’day party. I figure it’s a good way to cut down on the number of events our friends have to attend (they do suck the weekend time).
So I am in the midst of the planning stages. We will have it some time in mid April (in other words AFTER our first half marathon) … hopefully the weather will be nice. I think we’ll hold it either at our local community party space or at the “arbor house” at a park. I’m super excited about the theme Matt came up with, PIRATES and MERMAIDS. I spilled the beans to Lisanne and she sent me a terribly cute treasure map “cake” from Family Fun. I have serious doubts about my abilities to recreate it on my own, but I think I might be able to do the concept and stick some pirates and mermaids on top … right? I was also thinking of making placemats for the kids as party favors … some 11×17″ paper, some laminating sheets and you’re good to go.
I am going to be “grinchy” and request that folks not bring presents for the kids. Honestly, the kids have way more toys than they can play with anyhow and our house can’t hold any more!! Ben is way too little to get this, but I still need to talk it over with Tabby so she understands. She has already received many lovely presents from our close friends and family and that is wonderful, but like I said … more than enough. I hope people won’t be offended.
I found a bunch of really great party stuff from Oriental Trading, including a treasure chest cooler. I was thinking of doing a craft station where kids could decorate some sun-catcher frames. I thought a “treasure hunt” for chocolate coins in a small kiddie pool all decorated up with sand, etc. might be fun too. And I was also thinking of setting up a photo booth … I quoted one from The Traveling Photo Booth, but they wanted almost $900 for a three hour rental so umm… yea, not going to happen!! Too bad. But I figure with a computer and a little bit of action with a nail gun, some plywood and some black fabric we might be in business. We’ll see.