October is party time...

With the month of October right around the corner, that means busy party planning is happening in our household! October is such a lucky month for my husband and I. Not only did we meet and fall in love during October, the birth of our children took place as well! With their birthdays only a few days apart, we decided to combine their birthday parties this year due to all the happenings and family events we are committed too. At first I thought this would save us money, however when I plan a party I tend to go over the top and this year my husband decided to get in on the fun. Between him and I, this party is going to cost more then a one way plane ticket to Hawaii! In the end though, it will be well worth the fun my children and their friends are going to have!

The Guest List
The first task is choosing who to invite. I never know who to invite, so this year I actually had Brayden sit down with me and help me make the guest list. He has such a big heart and truely loves and misses his friends, while making the list he didn't miss anyone! Taylor was much easier since she has her little girlfriends she plays with between our two playgroups and friends of mine. I was so happy when many of our friends and family from out of state began RSVPing! With each "yes" came a big smile on Brayden's face. With such a large attendance, that means the party planner aka mommy, has a big task at hand!

The Theme

This year we are doing a carnival theme:) I had to decide on a theme that would work for both children and all their friends. I have to thank my good friend Kelly for putting the theme in my ear, as I do not think I would of come up with it all on my own. With a carnival theme I pictured lots of colors,popcorn, candy, games and prizes.

Entertainment
I went back and forth on how to entertain the munchkins. I dabbled with the idea of hiring a face painter, a clown, a magician or simply getting a moonbounce and make my own games. With some persuasion from my husband and Brayden they talked me into hiring Willly Woo Woo, who is a magician/comedian for young children. He is extremely popular in this area and does many shows at festivals, schools and other social events. My husband wanted me to take some of the planning off my plate so we have left the entertainment and games to Willy Woo Woo. On top of having him, I have created a few carnival booths of my own: the Kissing Booth, Tattoo Stand and a Fortune Teller! Surely these kids will not be bored!

The Cake
This year I am having both cupcakes and a 3-tier cake. Why cupcakes? For one, I found this super cute idea online and I want to make it for the kids so I can see their faces when I give them one. Secondly, with so many children in attendance it will make it easier to give them a cupcake, which they will surely enjoy, instead of them waiting for the cake to be cut. So why the 3 tier cake? Because I absolutely LOVE my cake lady...Trish McGinnis!!! I have tons of family and friends coming to the party, they will surely be expecting a slice of her delicious creation and of course the kids can have some too if they want...lol! After many weeks of searching for ideas for the cake, I found two seperate designed cakes that she is going to put together! Pictures to come!!!

The Favors
Favors and decorations are the icing on the cake! I love making decorations and coming up with unique ideas for favors. I do not know how many parties we have gone to where the favors were thrown in the garbage as soon as we got home, because the kids broke them or simply were not going to play with them...sorry but I have enough useless toys from McDs Happy Meals at the bottom of my toy box. The favors are going to come in a popcorn bag and inside the children will find: a bag of the Tiniest Animals, Most Colorful Fish, Clown Droppings, Freezer Pop, Freezer Pop Friend(cover), and a Lei necklace. They will also have chances to win prizes at the games and stands to add to their favor bags!!!

I still soo much to do and I have four days until my family and friends begin to arrive for the big day! Here's to caffeine...CHEERS!