Munch's 4th Birthday

It's amazing the way the birthday celebrations go on and on. We had already had a family party for all our January birthday people. Then, Munch got her favorite dinner (mac and cheese) on her birthday along with a cake on her ACTUAL birthday.And after all that, of course we had the friends over for a birthday bash. Actually, the party was held at Grandma and Grandpa's house (thanks Mom & Pop!), because we live so far away from all her friends and I didn't want our guests to make the long drive to our place. Munch was a great help and did a super job with the party craft- Since we were hiring her dance and music teacher for the party, Munch and I filled and assembled "ocean drums".At the party, we had the kids decorate them as they arrived Next up was Jamaica, Munch's awesome music teacher from JAMaRoo Kids. She had the kids (and parents) dancing and making music in no time!After snacks present opening and cake Munch and her cousin A. got in a last cuddle with Grandma and Grandpa before heading home.

Birthday Party Round-up

As I've mentioned before, our introduction to the preschool birthday party scene has been quite interesting. AudioDad and I had discussions about accepting all the invitations that came in- especially when Munch claimed to not know the celebrant, parent etiquette- would we be perceived as "hovering" parents if we both accompanied Munch? (With the 45 min. drive each way, he didn't want to lose family time.) I'm making weekly trips to the local toy store. We've seen a wide range of parties, from extravaganzas to simple barbecues. But a couple of months into it, we've been glad to see that Munch has been independently making friends, and we really like these kids and their families. Here's a look at what she's been up to:
The jumpy house-a must!Pinatas- a frequent occurrence (even though I have to admit to uneasiness in letting my kid hit ANYTHING with a big ol' stick)Candy, candy, and more candy-Munch loves wearing her "party dress", but getting all dressed up for a Halloween birthday party was the ultimate!Cupcake cakes- a fairly new thing? So often they have the strangest amoeba-like shapes, but this one was just so cute-Getting to explore her friends' cool backyard set ups is always a treat-Then we started the rounds of the "craft parties"- at this one, Munch was given a lump of clay. The result was...interesting.At the next, my sewing skills were put to the test at a "Build-A-Bear" party. Munch made a rabbit she named "Bunnyhop"- creative, I know...One of my favorites? A first birthday party at our favorite neighborhood restaurant- nothing like a sweet little one who's tentatively looking at the mound of cake and frosting on her tray-

The Most Super Duper 4th Birthday Party Ever!

Wow! I just got back from a birthday party that an incredibly creative and talented friend planned for her 4 year old. It all started with the invite, a curious and colorful little tin that arrived in the mail one day-Inside we found with instructions to inflate the balloon, upon which were printed the specifics of the party (note to self: don't pop the balloon!)-When we arrived at the party today, the festivities began before we even reached the door-Munch got her tickets and proceeded to decorate her party hat. Would you believe it's just a rolled up, painted grocery bag?
Munch looked awfully cute wearing it on the firetruck ride-After making a sand art necklace, we headed in to the rest of the birthday carnival-which was set up with several great games for the kids
Munch started in the jumpy then went down the row of games, collecting prized in her goody bag as she went-There was popcorn, cotton candy, face painting, and a fun house mirror-After yummy food, cupcakes, and a pinata, the final surprise was unveiled- a candy buffet for everyone for fill a favor bag- And would it be a carnival if you didn't win a goldfish?Big smiles after a fun time!

It's Party Time!

After weeks of planning, preparation, and hearing Munch ask, "Is my pony party today?" I could finally tell her "Yes! Today's your pony party day!" We were blessed with gorgeous weather- warm sun and temps in the 60s-70s. I spent the morning getting all the snacks made- fruit salad, tiny "pigs in a blanket" made with Little Smokies, cream cheese and jam sandwiches cut into triangles with the crusts removed, and mini sweet potato biscuits spread with apple butter or mustard and stuffed with thinly sliced ham.
Once we got to the farm, we set up the table of snacks. We put out the goodie bags that Munch helped to stuff and decorate and we set out the sprinkles and icing for cookie-decorating. Munch was thrilled once the bounce house was inflated! The ponies arrived and the kids took turns getting a ride-



while they waited their turn, they went in the jumpy-



played on the play structure-



and decorated pony cookies-



After a snack, we headed to the petting zoo-



then opened presents



and had cake


It was a wonderful, happy day!