Riley's Super 5th Birthday

My little guy is now a big FIVE year-old guy. I can hardly believe it. This year Riley wanted a super-hero party for all his cousins and pre-school friends. I made super capes for all the kids and they got to create their own super masks for their secret identities. We also had bouncy houses and a gym full of toys so they could try out those super powers. 

 For the cake I made chocolate and vanilla with sprinkles, decorated with fondant. We also had cupcakes that work better with little hands. The biggest hit was the rock candy "power" crystals.
Thanks to all our friends and family that traveled to come help us celebrate Riley's birthday!

Happy Birthday Max! 9 years old

My boy turned 9 years old today. Max is growing up so fast these days. He decided that it was time that he had his own room, so I worked this weekend transforming the toy room as a bedroom for a growing boy. I made an industrial desk out of galvanized pipes for him since he needs some where to do home work. (I will share more on that later!) Max also told me that he wanted a low key birthday this year. No embarrassing parties or anything, Mom. So instead we went out for pizza for supper and had some chocolate cake with neon candles. Max is a kind, sweet guy and I hope he doesn't grow out of that anytime soon. Happy Birthday big guy.

Riley is Four

On Saturday Riley turned 4! When I asked him what kind of party he wanted, he quickly said a doughnut party with lots and lots of sprinkles. To say the least I was excited! Finally a non-cartoon character party theme, and I can definitely work with doughnuts and sprinkles. 

I made the invitation for his party with a simple doughnut picture with lots of sprinkles.

For the party I made some simple party hats with confetti in the shape of a number 4. Brunch menu was many different kinds of doughnuts and even I used doughnut holes dipped in white chocolate and sprinkles for a cake pop like treat.  There were also some not-so-sweet choices, a mixed fruit tray and some cheese and spinach quiches.

For drinks we had white, chocolate, and strawberry milk served in milk bottles with paper straws. The milk bottles were just recycled Starbucks frappe bottles with the labels removed. Basically free and super cute glasses. There was also coffee (for the adults) and hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles (of course!).

The table decorations were made from white powdered sugar doughnuts, with confetti poppers, and thank you gift bags. We also had clear balloons filled with confetti. The birthday "cake" was just doughnuts with white frosting and sprinkles stacked on a cake stand with candles.  

It was a super sweet party for a super sweet boy. Riley is a happy and gentle guy with lots of love for everyone. Four has to be my favorite age.

Ella turns 4!

 

This weekend we went to Ames to celebrate Ella's 4th birthday. She loves Jake the pirate so Grandma Jo got her a adorable Jake cake. It was so warm and sunny out the kids had a great time playing outside with the sprinkler and water guns. (Thanks Uncle Jason!) It's always fun to see family and play with our cousins. Only one week left until our vacation, and I can not wait! We are headed to Adventureland park in DesMoines and will be celebrating the Forth of July with food and fireworks. 

Mermaids and Pirates! Maya turns 5!

Photo by Clare Dieter

Maya turned 5 today and she wanted a Mermaid and Pirate party. Thank goodness there was a lot of inspiration on Pinterest to help Clare and I make her day special. So even though in was raining and we couldn't play outside, the kids had fun running around and playing pirates. 

Clare found this amazing cake on Pinterest, so I did my best to make it close to the same, but not as large. I think it turned out perfect! The cake inside wasn't half bad either, with the bottom being double chocolate, French vanilla in the middle, and fresh strawberry for the top layer.

Clare also found some really cute candies and snacks for the table. 

All the kids dressed up as either a mermaid or pirate and it made for some great pictures!

And one more picture of Ella as a pirate, just because she is the cutest pirate ever!

Happy Birthday to My Boy

Today Max turned eight. Yes - EIGHT! How did that happen? Wasn't he just my tiny baby? Now he is tall and handsome and is able to go hang out with friends. He likes video games, reading, and drawing. Max is a caring and loving boy who really cares about his family and friends. I hope he doesn't grow up too quickly. He is a really great kid.

Riley Turns Three

 

On Friday Riley turned 3 and on Saturday we had a party for him. He loves Super Mario Bros. and I was happy to get such a great theme for the party. We had cupcakes frosted like one up mushrooms and fun Mario Bros characters. I was inspired by his cousin Maisie's birthday and so I made a coin block pinata. It was super easy to make with a box and crepe paper. (and a lot of glue!) It was a "pull" pinata so all you did is pull the tassle and all the chocolate coins fell out. Rowan and Riley tryed to hit it with their heads first, like Mario dose, but  went for the tassle eventually. It was adorable. Riley is a great three year old, kind and gentle. He loves to make people laugh. He is a joy to have in our family.