Grouchy Husband and I along with the help of my parents and family hosted another birthday party for the girls. It took me all year to forget how much work and stress last year’s party was and decide to throw another one! Last year’s was a carnival theme and total chaos but the kids had a blast. This year I wanted a less stressful and crazy party so I found a local kids art studio to come and do an art project, and then had the magician from last year come again. The planning went so well but then the day of the party Grouchy Husband’s hot dog truck broke down on the way and it poured rain so we had to put the whole party under tents. I’ve concluded a party with 35 kids, 50 adults, entertainment, and homemade food will always be stressful. As much anxiety this party gives me, the girls have a blast so I’ll probably talk myself into throwing another one for them next year.
The girls picked a project where they would paint murals of the ocean and then put a collage of sea creatures and mermaids on top. Young at Art did an amazing job with the kids.
A table was setup with all of the materials to paint the mural and make the ocean collage. The kids would go to the table to find what they needed and then go back to their seats to work on their projects. Even in the pouring rain under a tent, all of the kids were totally into making their projects.
At the very end, the kids could shake glitter on top of their collage. This was Baby’s favorite part.
She wrote her own name tag and all of her friends. She almost had her name right and proactively found a place for the last “a” in her name. Miraculously, her friends were able to find and read their name tags.
After the art project, it was time to eat. My mom cooked dumplings, fried rice, and lo mein noodles. My brother made chicken fingers. Since the hot dog truck broke down, Grouchy Husband went and got the hot dogs and we grilled them. After dinner, the kids went to the ice cream truck to get a treat and get ready for a magic show.
Ice cream all over their faces, the kids were mesmerized by the show.
The girls had a blast being part of the magic tricks.
They even got a fish from one of the tricks.
Adults even participated in the show.
This is my Uncle Billy. He is walking to do something for the party in the pouring rain. The tent next to him is where my brother is doing all of his cooking. I could not have thrown this party without my uncle, aunt, mom, dad, brother, sisters, cousins helping to cook, put up tents, help kids find their name tags and cups, shuttle kids to the ice cream truck in the rain, organize collages to dry, hand out goody bags. The word “thank you” doesn’t even come close to how grateful I am for their help and love.
I feel like I can sleep a week after the party. But then I realize that after the friend party is the family party. As tired I am after the day, it’s always worth it to see the girl’s smiles and be so happy with their friends.
Aren’t these photos amazing? Our friend, Chong Oh (Dad to Princess’ best friend), takes amazing photos and I am so thankful he captured the moments from the party when I was running around like a crazy person.
Even though Baby’s birthday is in August, she shares a party with Princess because many people are away in August and more importantly, I can only handle throwing one birthday party a year.
Happy 7th and Almost 4th Girls, Mama loves you always! xo