The boys 5 + 10 {birthday party 2014}

This will probably be the last time we merge their birthday parties.  And, if that's the case, we hit it out of the park!

As far as the boys knew, they could invite a group of their closest friends from school and sports to come hang out at our house; eat, play, etc...  What they didn't know, is that the Game Truck was going to roll up about 45 minutes into the party and surprise everyone!

Judging by the faces, they had a HORRIBLE time...

We set up a tailgate tent in the front yard, complete with race day flags, referee runners, buckets of Twizzlers and penalty flag-draped lollipops.  Beach chairs, folding chairs, Cornhole, frisbee and a bounce house added to the tailgate experience.  We had coolers loaded with root beer, orange soda, lots of water and a drink dispenser with peach tea (and of course Red Solo Cups!).  The menu included the following:

Philly Pretzel Factory Rivets with Cheese and Chocolate dips

Chicken and Waffle Bites w/Maple Syrup

Mini Crescent-Wrapped Hot Dogs

White Castle Sliders hold everything except the Cheese

Popcorn, Chips, Veggie Straws

I also had a craft table for the few girls that were in attendance.  Sun catcher painting kits from Oriental Trading.  The craft table was slow at first, but the girls, and some moms, were getting creative after awhile...

The guys from Game Truck Princeton made the experience amazing for all in attendance.  We had boys and girls from 3-12ish and they found games for all of them.  

The living room pre-party...

and post-party...

Ref-themed gift bags were given to the children.  Again, Oriental Trading is vital when planning a party like this, I can't say enough.

I also set up a parents game day experience indoors, while the kids were playing the parents enjoyed the following:

Chili Bar with Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream and Hot Peppers

Deli Dip with Italian Bread

Mini Crescent-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Queso Dip and Chips

Hot Popcorn

Wine, Beer, Soda and Water

A Game on the TV and the smiles on their kids faces!

My photos are so sporadic, it was so hectic; I wish I got more.  What I won't forget is the look on the boys faces when the truck came and the elation that carried them through the following days.  I love my boys so much and nothing is so satisfying as providing them with a great time!

Thanks for visiting!

Halloween home tour coming soon!

Carnival Themed Birthday Party

Source: Uploaded by user via Traci on Pinterest

This weekend we attended a Carnival themed birthday party.  Happy Birthday Lea!  Unfortunately, I did not take any photos.  I will describe it a simply and clearly as I can.  

Source: cool-party-games.com via Traci on Pinterest

Each child was given a bag with there names on it and a list of all activities offered:  Duck Pond Fishing, Ring Toss, Sand Art, Face Painting, Balloons & Darts, Tip the Can Over, etc...  They would accrue tickets from each event. Literally, hours of fun.  It helped that is was a breezy, warm, crystal clear day.  When all of the guests convened inside for cake and singing, the carnival "workers" (teenage cousins!) set up the prize tables.  3 tables long of fun stuff for boys & girls and this is when they got to spend their accrued tickets.  The hostess had been scouring sale bins, dollar stores, etc..for a year.  The stuff she chose was really nice, not junkie {you know what I mean}, she was thoughtful in her choices.

Lets get to the food tables.  The important part...since parents were invited to partake in eating.  Boardwalk pizza slices, sausage & pepper sandwiches, burgers & dogs, mozzerella sticks, fried oreos, popcorn, cotton candy; the menu went on and on and it was delish!

Source: peachplumstyle.polyvore.com via Traci on Pinterest

I really regret not taking photos, as this was such a great time.  Visit Pinterest for more amazing ideas.  Search Carnival Party and such.  Thanks for visiting!