Come One, Come All!

I'm excited.....

I am beginning to plan the ULTIMATE birthday party...

Bailee's 5th Circus Themed Birthday Party!

My little monkey is turning 5. I can not even begin to wrap my head around that statement.

This will be a big year for her - 5 year birthday, starting school this fall, leaving her beloved daycare and her little "family" there in Adamstown, beginning a legit schedule each night to include taking SHOWERS on her own (Lord help me with that, the child HATES water in her face) no more mommy waking her up right before I step out the door in the morning, and dressing her as she is still sleeping... she just doesn't know whats coming to her.

So, I figure I'd go all out and REALLY celebrate this year and make it a memorable and enjoyable one for her.

The past 4 years I have really gone all out anyways when it came to her parties, with the exception of last year's Hannah Montana Party -I just couldn't bring myself to contribute anymore of my paychecks to her endless bank account, as I have already invested in a lifetimes worth of her inventory.

Bailee's 1st birthday I did a Sponge Bob Theme party - completely decorated my house like an underwater Bikini Bottom, complete with a rock shaped cake like Patricks house, green Twinkies with black licorice antennas just like the little guy Plankton. I had a ton of fun with that party. However, Bailee of course can not remember it, and I didn't have a camera.... so it's just a faint memory.

2nd birthday, well, now that I think about it - wasn't much of a theme there - except for maybe the adult after party and the endless Margaritas... now THAT is how I like to celebrate.... anyways....

3rd birthday was by far my favorite party.... Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

My wonderful momma made a candy tree with all kinds of unique candies. I melted jolly ranchers onto poster-board and hung them on the walls to mimic the lickable walls in the movie (germ fest, I know lol) and God bless the dollar store for selling candy beach balls, tons of those all around the house and hanging from the ceiling.

We had a Golden Egg hunt (the winner who found the golden egg amongst the other Easter eggs won the candy tree - which I now regret lol) and they even had bubbles in cola bottle shaped containers, just like the magic bubble burping soda from the movie.

I made our own little candy world and made flowers (made out of green pipe cleaners and yellow paper cups stuck into green potters Styrofoam) and filled them with candy and put them throughout the party area, the kids made their own candy necklaces..... it was by far the most fun I have had decorating.

And this year, well, I am sick of organized games and activities because I'll admit - get me in a room full of kids and their parents, I have a hard time staying organized and in compliance with my agenda for the party..... I can plan, and I can decorate - can I follow through with my own agenda and schedule - hell no.

So, a circus party, under an actual Big Top Tent, with little game booths, a petting zoo, face painting, sno-cones, hot dogs, pizza and chips, a ticket booth and a giant popcorn box (photo op), I am thrilled to sit back and let them loose.

I've decided we'll have the following types of games at the ticket booths:

- Duck Pond (though, I don't quite know how to pull that off, with magnets???)

- Knock the Cans - throw the balls and knock the empty cans over (anyone have a pampered

chef can opener I can borrow for the smooth edges??)

- Pop the Balloon - throw darts at the balloons and pop them (might be a bit dangerous??)

-Pie in the Face - only because I am hoping my husband will volunteer and I'll be able to play

- Bean Bag Toss - through a board with holes in it

- Soda Bowling - bowling down water filled 2 liter soda bottles

Any ideas for other age appropriate, home-made carnival games?

Any ideas or suggestions on throwing a backyard Carnival at all? All suggestions are greatly appreciated!

And, if you have a kiddo - you are totally invited! Saturday July 18th at 2:00pm. I'll be sending formal invites, but if you think you'd be interested, let me know and I'll put you on the list ;)