Bug...eriffic!

So my little guy turned 3 yesterday. 3!!!! Time is flying by. This birthday was his first that he knew what was going on and was excited for. How fun it was to plan! We started thinking of ideas a few months prior and I made the mistake to talk it over with Jack about a month early. Well, he told everyone for about a month that "it's my birthday soon". It was a long month of anticipation. 

Originally it was going to be a Tonka party. Last year we had to cancel his large party with family because it didn't work out- this was after I had bought a bunch of supplies for that theme. So, being thrifty I saved everything, froze the candy associated with it and just hoped and prayed that Tonka Trucks were still cool another year later. When I asked Jack about his birthday cake, Tonka was okay but he wanted BUGS on it.  When I asked him what bugs he rattled off a list of bugs he wanted to see. He even made me write it down so I wouldn't forget! Wasps, bees, worms, frogs, ants, spiders... the list went on. Crap. So now how am I going to in-cooperate a Tonka theme and bug theme. How did I you ask? I didn't- I just did both! He's a boy right!

With help from my mother-in-law all day, we managed to make the bug food, clean the house, and decorate while he napped; all in time for his party at 4pm. I let Jack make the guest list and he invited only his closest friends (I guess that's all he needed). If it was up to me I could have added a WHOLE lot more people but I tried to remember that it was HIS birthday :) When Jack woke up from his nap and all the food was on the table and the decorations were up- it clued in that the party was going to start soon and he just started clapping and jumping up and down. Warms my heart.

Pinterest and google were definitely my friend planning this party. I'm not sure how prior parents planned parties without these two vital tools!

Outside decorations were minimal. I made a birthday balloon wreath and I have our letters with magnets and can interchange to whoever's birthday it is. I loved this idea when I saw it on pinterest and knew I had to recreate. It was a lot of work (I had to do it twice) but it was worth all the hours I put into it and I hope my kids will always remember having the wreath on the door for their birthday! Starting some traditions, very important in my books.

Helium balloons are always a must at our house!

The inside decorations weren't too busy either. I knew if it was nice that we would be spending most of our time outside anyways.

This didn't turn out like the picture I seen on pinterest (they had a much nicer fireplace) but it still contained the balloons so the babies didn't pop them!

These worm balloons greeted the party goers as they came. The kids grabbed them and started bonking each other on the head. They were fun!

While Jack was sleeping I hung balloons outside his door so when he woke up, he would know that the party was going to start. Again, pinterest. I fell in love with idea as well. I plan on doing this for every birthday- either 1st thing in the morning or when they are young after their nap. I would have loved waking up to this! I think this will make them feel just as special as they are.

The food was all bug themed. It took some imagination and googling but I figured something out! I was pleased how they turned out.

Caterpillar Kabobs- Green Grapes, Icing, Mini Chocolate Chips

Strawberry Ladybugs- Strawberries, Icing, Blueberries, Shoestring Candy, and Mini Chocolate Chips-
VERY TIME CONSUMING!

Grasshopper Chip Dip- Hallowed out Green Pepper, Green Onions, Icing and Blueberries

Bug Juice with Worm Icecubes- Super easy and the kids loved getting a Worm Ice-Cube

The apple wasn't to eat but I thought it was a cute idea!

The cake was a dirt worm cake in a Tonka Truck with fake bugs, candy sticks, Chocolate Rocks. Jack loved it! This was his expression when he first saw the cake. He thought it was beautiful!

Now that is one very excited 3 year old!

The treat bags took some thinking because I wanted to stick with my theme. The idea for bug viewers was perfect because I could fill them up with goodies to take home. The baby gifts were a little tougher but after I made all natural bug spray for my little guy- I figured that fit in nicely with my bug theme. Also, it was a nice useful gift for the mamma's.

There was more but we'll stop at that! I had a blast planning this boy's birthday and can't wait for the next ones! This mom thing; it sure is fun.

I found Jack sound asleep at 9pm with all his new toys on his bed and one of the worm balloons. He didn't even flinch when I took them off and tucked him in. He had a great birthday. Anything for my little guys!