Birthday Party #1

A while back I decided that since I’m such a crafty guru now (*wink*), I should let my kids have “friend” birthday parties this year, and make something cute. The problem–my son’s and daughter’s birthdays are only a week apart, and we would be gone to Oregon visiting the grandparents during one of them. And yes, that means we would only be back for about three days before the next. Compressed party planning! (I made these invitations before we even left on our vacation.)

So we came home late on Tuesday, had my son’s birthday party on Friday, hosted a “required” family party on Saturday (we didn’t get to choose the date), and my daughter’s birthday party on Monday. Fortunately, we survived just fine except for my 5-year old being grumpy because “everyone” got presents but her (which isn’t even true).

Here is how I simplified. First, I let my son pick the activities and food. He chose a pizza party, Nerf-gun wars where his friends brought their own guns and ammo, and ice cream cones (no cake). I could do that!

I made the boys sandwich bags packed with mixed Candy a la Costco, then threw together these little bag toppers with the Silhouette on old scrapbook paper and a printed label. They were plenty excited about them, so I’m glad I didn’t overdo it.

Party #1 done, two to go. Stay tuned…