I am very busy recovering from a back-to-back friend then family birthday party for the girls. Princess turned six this weekend and even though Baby turns three in August, my Grouchy Husband and I decided to combine their birthday celebrations because summers can get so busy. Both the friend and family celebrations were fantastic, a lot of work, but totally fantastic!
For the kiddie party, I planned out a carnival themed party where they would play games, watch a magic show, and a few other surprises. My parents have the perfect yard for the party so we decided to host it there. This is what it looked liked before the party.
Since this was a party for little people, I rented chairs and tables especially for them.
My brother was the executive chef for both parties and Oz, our friend and family caterer was by his side keeping him in check. The menu for the kids was chicken fingers, mini hamburgers, tater tots, and corn. My brother’s first job was at KFC so the recipe he used for the chicken fingers he learned while he worked there. Here, my brother and Oz are discussing the menu and schedule while searing the burgers.
And of course we had the Dobbs Dawg House food truck serving at the party.
This picture and the rest of the pictures in this blog post were taken by Chong Oh, one of our little friend’s Dad. He is an amazing photographer. I had high ambition to take photos during the party while entertaining guests and managing everything. Of course this did not happen so I am so grateful for Chong sharing his photos with me.
The party started off with carnival games. One of the games was water balloon piñata. It was a huge hit for the little kids…
and big kids…
There was also ring toss, corn hole, and ping pong squirt. The kids won gold coins for winning the games that they would later turn in for prizes. I am eternally grateful to my sister-in-law, mother-in-law and cousins for being the game attendants. My youngest sister was in charge of facilities to make sure everything ran smoothly. I could not have pulled off this party without them. So blessed to have such amazing family.
After the carnival games there was a magic show with Richie from Hocus Pocus Magic Shop.
My Grouchy Husband was even part of one of the tricks.
The kids loved the show.
Jimmy’s Soft Serve ice cream truck surprised the party.
The kids loved being able to order anything they wanted. Look at the huge strawberry milk shake Baby is drinking.
Then we sang Happy Birthday and ate cake from Lulu’s Cake Boutique. We had a small mishap with the candles which is why you see a “2” on Princess’ cake. One of our hello kitty candles we use on every birthday cake (kids and adults) finally ran out of wick. It was a great candle with many many memories, the last one being not able to light up for a double birthday with over thirty-five kids waiting to sing “Happy Birthday” (haha).
The prizes were light up wands, swords, microphones, and bubble blowers…just like you would win at a real carnival.
The kids had a lot of fun playing with their prizes.
My cousin led the after-party. I’m not sure if this could be considered organized play because at one point I saw all of the kids hitting him with their carnival prizes.
The kiddie party was a huge success. Princess and Baby, and all of their friends had an amazing time. Then came the family party. We had a wood fire and made paella and churrascaria. I don’t have any photos from this party because even though this party was more laid back, I was so tired from the kiddie party and just wanted to talk and drink.
As I slowly catch up on my rest and return back to my regular self, I realize my babies are now six and almost three. Wow, how time flies.
Tired Mama of a 6 and Soon-to-Be 3 Years Old,
Chrissy xo