So a monkey party it was! I like that his birthday falls in early February because it gives us something to look forward to in the misery of January. When we were stuck at home on cold, wet days, I put the kids to work cutting out bananas, leaves, or working on Max's pinata:
I've learned through experience that these parties are best limited to a half dozen kids and ninety minutes. I broke my own rules for Max's party because (1) he kept coming up with more friends he really wanted there, and (2) I wanted moms to drop off their kids, so I thought I'd better give them two hours so they could actually go somewhere during the party.
The jungle decor.
I figured when we ran out of stuff to do we'd just watch Curious George on repeat.
The weather around here has been pretty spring-like, so I was hoping to use the backyard and trampoline. It ended up raining throughout the party, so I had a dozen kids inside playing games. This turned out fine--all the moms really did drop off and leave so I was able to focus on the games and could embarrass myself and let the chaos ensue without shame. I had my mother-in-law and a cute babysitter to help me.
The kids decorated monkeys:
Picked bugs (rice) out of monkey fur:
Played feed the monkey (bean bag toss):
Tyler made these!
Broke the pinata (inside due to the rain):
And a few other little games. Tyler was the hit of the party with stunts like this:
They were an easy crowd.
We had pizza and bananas and Monkey Juice for lunch:
Then a monkey cake!
Max and his cute friend Earnie.
I hate cheap novelty toys, so I made banana shaped sugar cookies as party favors:
I packed them up in these cute monkey boxes.
Between those and the cake I was in the kitchen ALL afternoon the day before the party. I hate being in the kitchen all day--I think I'm swearing off sugar cookies forever!
The next day was Max's actual birthday.
He got to bring treats to preschool and he chose donuts.
Max was such a delightful four-year-old-- sweet, helpful, funny, and cuddly. He loves to do jobs (to earn time to play Angry Birds) and make up jokes. He's easy to please and usually happy.
Max has a tender heart. The thing that upsets him the most is when he thinks Tyler or I am mad at him. I'm equal parts sad to see him grow up and proud of the big nice boy he is becoming. I really hope he stays as sweet at five (and sixteen and forty!) as he was at four!
17 comments:
Wow. This was seriously so impressive. I can't believe you make your own pinatas and games and cake. I am the laziest mom ever.
But it all turned out so cute. Happy Birthday Monkey Max!
Brooke I freely admit I spent way more time on everything than I needed to. It just happened to be a time when we had the time and the projects sounded like fun. Don't forget I am also a believer in Chuck E. Cheese's and the Costco cake.
You guys do such cute stuff for the kids' parties! The monkey theme is a crack up.
What a darling party...you put me to shame with my last minute, thrown together parties! I cannot believe it's been 5 years since Max joined the world...I think the last time I saw you was shortly before he was born. That's absurd, seeing as we live just 1/2 hour away! Anyway, great job on the party!
Holy crap. You are the world's best birthday party mom ever. I'm hiring you for my next kid's party. What are your rates?
everything is so cute! the cake, cookies and pinata are amazing! way to go ash! and happy birthday max!
Will you come and throw birthday parties for my kids?
Eli had so much fun and is still making comments about Tyler and the cake! You are amazing.
All right. How did you make the pinata? The tissue paper and decorations I get, but is there a tutorial somewhere that shows how to make the middle section? Did you do the paper mache balloon thing?
You blow me away Ashley! What a great party!!! And what darling boys! He will be as sweet as he gets older, I have no doubt!
Charlotte--yes the pinata was a big balloon (16 inches I think) that I covered in paper mache. I used strips of newspaper dipped in two parts water to one part flour. I did three layers (letting them dry in between) then made the ears out of cardboard and glued them on. It was a big sticky mess but sort of fun too. It broke after 12 kids took about five swings each. I probably should have done another layer.
I have a monkey lover in my house too. Do you think he'd like a party like this for his 16th birthday coming up later this year? Actually he probably, secretly would.
THANK YOU! A mini-tutorial right here in the comments section. What could be better?
So, SO cute Ash! You throw one awesome party! I love the cookies and boxes for the party favors. I too hate cheap novelty toys that kids bring home from parties. Food is SO much better.
I can't believe you did all this being so pregnant. You are my hero. When is your due date again?
So, SO cute Ash! You throw one awesome party! I love the cookies and boxes for the party favors. I too hate cheap novelty toys that kids bring home from parties. Food is SO much better.
I can't believe you did all this being so pregnant. You are my hero. When is your due date again?
This party was amazing. I agree with Brooke, you did all that and you did it while pregnant.
I hope you save those Monkey bean bag tosses and turn them into cornhole boards!
Max is such a cutie and I can't believe he is 5. I still remember when he was a baby. It's nice we've been friends this long! But how the time has flown.
That picture of Tyler is hilarious. There's just something about a man being able to entertain a crowd of kids (by the simplest means) that is so impressive.
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