As we were driving home from Daniels 6th birthday party (it's not his actual birthday til later this week), Andy suddenly asked Dan if he could please just stay 5. That once he turns 6 we'll have no more little kids in our family. And it suddenly hit me that my small family is growing up.
It was quite a little revelation.
But his party went well. We had it at Chipmunks. He's wanted a chipmunk birthday party on and off for a while now and I thought if we don't do it this year he'll be too old. And to be honest we've never done one like this so thought why not?
It was good....
Started off with them playing, then party food, a game, opening of presents, a bit more playing and then home again. Pretty simple and 'complete' list of all the 'highs' you'd want at a party.
Dan had a pretty eclectic 'theme' to his party. We were at Chipmunks. He had pirate party plates etc. An angry birds invitation and a monster cake. All his choice and why not?!
The cake was again seen on Pinterest... I seem to use that site far more than I ever thought I would! Dan looked at it and just said "that's it Mum, that's it". And everything had to be green.
So I made him a green monster cake....
It looks way flasher than it is to make! Believe me! You just need a wilton 233 nozzle and all that 'fluff/fur' is made easy peasy!
And just like he asked for, the whole thing was green.
He loved it (and there were a ton of comments as we wandered into Chipmunks too. Was really funny!).
I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before, but I don't do goodie bags for the kids parties. I don't believe in them. I mean whose birthday is it? Uh huh! Instead I do the good old fashioned thing of giving cake to take home.
This year I decided to do my thank you's and cake give away all at once.
I made up a little header card, got Dan to sign them all, took some bags and napkins, then after the cake was cut, my sister, Pene and I (thanks so much ladies!) put them all into the bags, stapled on the header and tada, thank you's and cake all done...
We did play one game. Dan insisted on having Pass the parcel. Fair enough I said. So we wrapped up 18 odd pieces of paper around the gift and were prepared. Unfortunately Chipmunks didn't have music. So we made do. Andy used the party whistle thingees and everytime he blew the whistle the parcel stopped.
It did the trick just fine.
As far as parties goes, this was a very easy one. At 9pm last night as I was finishing decorating the cake, Andy said to me, 'normally we'd be cleaning now'. And he was right. So so so so much better!
So if you're thinking Chipmunks, here's some pros and cons from my perspective.....
Pros:
Not at your own home. All set up and cleaning done for you.
Can hold whether it's rain or shine.
All food is prepared for you.
The kids run around like maniacs before / after eating. They love it.
One cost and that's it (and it worked out cheaper than we'd normally spend!).
Cons:
It's noisy. Really really noisy!
You can't take your own food. Only a cake.
You only have the party room for an hour so have to move all your gear in and out.
Trying to find the kids is near impossible (hmmm, perhaps that's a pro?!).
For us, the pros far outway the cons and this year it worked a treat!
Happy party day Dan. Sleep well tonight my tired boy.
Looks like lots of fun. I LOVE that photo of you and Dan!
Posted by: Vicky | August 05, 2012 at 08:44 AM
Fantastic job on the cake Trina!! Every little boys dream cake! The party sounds so much fun too! Can't believe Dan is 6!
Posted by: Chris M | August 05, 2012 at 09:17 AM
Oh My Gosh what an awesome awesome cake..Girl you are one clever chickie, thrilled you all had a great time and no mess after has got to be good..
Posted by: Brenda | August 05, 2012 at 09:33 AM
We did Chipmunks for Mitchells 5th birthday. He sooooo wanted it. But then he was off for the party and in tears. Next day he got spots - chicken pox! Oooops! Glad Dans party was a success! That cake looks very cool:)
Posted by: Topkatnz | August 05, 2012 at 10:11 AM
Happy birthday to Dan for later this week. (can't believe 6 years has gone already??). That is one amazing cake!
Posted by: Donna M | August 06, 2012 at 06:41 AM
So exciting!
Posted by: Basketball Sneakers | August 06, 2012 at 03:17 PM
love that cake!!! so fun!!!
and yeah nothing like having someone else cleaning the party area up!!!!
as for the party bags i am with you!!!
love the cake idea...i saw someone else do this with pic and thank you note...great idea!!!!
so easy!!!
Posted by: mandyb | August 06, 2012 at 08:24 PM
what a super cool cake Trina!! I'm with ya on the goodie bags too.
can't believe Dan is turning 6!! Doesn't seem that long ago we were sitting at a table talking about baby names!!
ps love your cake idea too :)
Posted by: Rach | August 08, 2012 at 08:46 AM