J Cooper Photography

I’ve been in full party planning mode around here this past week…getting ready to celebrate two special little guys’ birthdays!  Since our boys have birthdays just a few weeks apart, we decided we would just invite our family and a few friends over for one big night of fun.  I started brainstorming some “simple” themes (you all know I am a theme kind of gal) and decided on a VINTAGE CIRCUS theme.  I was SO excited.  When Sam woke up the next morning I shared all of my plans with him.  He was bubbling over with excitement too talking about the games, cotton candy, and cupcakes.  And then he stopped dead cold in his tracks and said, “hey Mommy…what’s a circus?”  Oooops.   We’ve actually never taken the kids to the circus (way too much humanity for me) but I didn’t realize he didn’t even know what they are!  But have no fear…we’ve been reading lots of book about them for the past few weeks and he is now well versed on the subject matter!

We started off the festivities with a fun little homemade invitation.  I sent these off to a local printer who would print just a few copies on cardstock for me!

card front:

card back:

My parents and The Librarian came to help with this shindig.  And it is a GOOD thing they came as reinforcements.  Because by the time they showed up on Saturday afternoon I was completely overwhelmed by the on and off again rainy weather.  I was just about to scrap the whole notion of games and prizes…oh how the kids would have been disappointed!  My Dad and Mr. P quick tidied up the garage and set up tables.  The Librarian’s hubby ran to Walmart for more tokens, tickets, and of course…fake teeth.   Our favorite babysitter across the street came over to do face painting.  And my nephews offered caricatures for all the kids!  We had a bean bag toss, a pinata, and of course…a PHOTO BOOTH!

It was such a fun night and I think the kids really enjoyed themselves!  Most of the party supplies came from Hobby Lobby (they have a great selection of circus themed party plates and decor) and Michaels (their $1 bins recently had vintage inspired treat bags, masks, and other goodies!)  I have a zillion images from the night…I’ll just share my top 50 or so

My two right hand women…they can organize a party in one hour flat!

We kept the menu simple carnival food…and all “grab and go” – hot dogs, chips in bags, fruit cups, and soda in bottles.

neighbor buddies

a little Mimi bonding time

one of the birthday boys who had an early date with the face painter!

Lots of goodies on the cake table:  cupcakes with homemade buttercream icing, popcorn, cotton candy, peanuts in the shell, animal crackers, and circus peanuts.  It’s not a party if you don’t leave sick

His favorite game.

Big sister helping with the games!

The first birthday party experience for the Peruvian Princess.  It’s safe to say she LOVES PARTIES!!

Friends in the photo booth.

Caught in the act

A new little buddy for Daniel…can’t wait for these two to grow up together!

She’s gonna need some serious dental work

I LOVE my family   Seriously…they were the only “adults” brave enough to try out the photo booth!

Baby “Z” spotting her lost love.

A boy with a bat…and he knows how to use it!

The loot.

The dive for the loot.

All the kiddos (minus the babies).

Fun little details:  paper straws in pop bottles, a birthday hat on a chubby boy, hand drawn masterpieces, junk food, and lots of sugar.

Singing to the birthday boys {Danny was completely weirded out and Sam was utterly embarrassed – good times by all!}

The betrothed couple {Danny is shell shocked from the announcement}

Special friends.

I love parties.  Every year I say I’m going to keep things SUPER simple and then I just can’t help myself.  I didn’t do any wild crafts or cook any elaborate meals…but the little details are just SO fun.  This was a PERFECT reason to share with our friends our excitement over having our son HOME with his brother in time for his birthday!  We are truly so blessed!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY BOYS!