THREE! I can't believe Mason is three.
We had a creepy, crawly, bug theme this year. Green, brown, orange...tried to keep it simple and cute.
I made most of the decor myself. Just simple cardboard boxes, pretty ribbon, grass, and free printables.
This sign was made from cardboard, scrap book paper, ribbon, and a sign that I made using Publisher.
We decided to have the party at a local park. Made things much easier. Since we have more friends to invite, it just made sense.
The kids loved their party favors, aka. bug kits They included bugs, stickers, fruit snacks, a butterfly net, and tweezers to pick up the bugs. EWW!
We had chocolate cupcakes and dirt cake. YUM! I made both myself.
Cupcake stand. So simple. Just cardboard boxes covered with packing paper. Wrapped ribbon around the boxes (glued), stuck on some stickers, and glued on some grass at the bottom. So cute and really, very easy!
Also made pom poms. Again, easy. Fold 6 to 8 pieces of tissue paper accordion style, tie in the middle, cut each end of the tissue in round shape, and gently pull apart the paper to make the pom pom. Voila!
I have found various different inspirations from other blogs or just online. I have posted it all on my pinterest boards under parties. You can check it out here.
We kept the tables simple too! Bowls of bugs covered in water to grow during the party. The kids LOVED this idea. Played with the bugs! EWW! They were slimy.
Plain white table cloths with stickers that I bought at Dollar Tree! Really! The bugs were also bought at Dollar Tree and Target in the dollar bins. Not bad! 12 bugs for $1.
We served hot dogs, pasta salad, chips, and watermelon.
Mason had to sit next to his buddy, Jack! We love Jack!
Love Jack's home made wrapping paper! What a great idea!
Mason wasn't quite sure, at first, what to make of his party. Since it was at the park this year, he just thought it was another play date with his friends. He spent the majority of his time with Papa!
He did great when we all sang happy birthday! He was smiling and excited to blow out his candles.
And was especially excited to dig into his cupcake!
Check out the look on Mason's face. This picture was taken after we got home from the party. Clearly, he is exhausted. We all were! HA!
The day of the party was absolutely beautiful. Sun was shining, no humidity, and only about 80 degrees. Perfect!
We had a fabulous day! Thanks to those of you who helped us celebrate!
Mason and I had such a good time at our friend Jack's 3rd birthday party. Elmo was all over the place, along with cookie monster. We had Elmo cupcakes to match the invitation, goodie bags, and plates. So cute! Melinda did a great job and very creative too!
Mason was determined to sit next to Jack at the party. The party wasn't until noon, so all morning Mason kept asking if we were going to Jack's house. It's Jack's birthday, Mommy! He was so excited. He LOVES to see friends and especially likes Jack. As we were in the car driving, Mason kept asking over and over if we were going to Jack's house. He was so concerned. HA!
Melinda was such an awesome hostess. She fed all of the kids (and Mommies) lunch with all kinds of great food. We had chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, fresh fruit (it was so good), chips, spinach dip (yummy), all kinds of cookies and of course, cupcakes.
After lunch, we played a couple of games. A cookie monster game where you had to feed cookie monster the (pretend) cookies. The kids went back and forth with a cookie on a spatula and then put it in cookie monster's mouth. Mason was hilarious. He took the pan of cookies over to the oven and said they needed to cook. We all fell on the floor laughing. I missed getting a picture. Gosh! It was so funny. Most of the kids said, forget the spatula and picked up the cookies. We all had such a good laugh watching them play. :)
After the games we all decided to go outside and walk around. They have 20 acres of land and we all had a good time walking around to check it out. So pretty. We also played with the parachute. Another kid favorite.
For Daddy's birthday this year, I made a chocolate cake, with chocolate icing, and chocolate chips. Yes! He loves chocolate. The moment I made the cake and put it on the table, Mason's eyes lit up. Every second of every day, "Mommy, I want cake", "Mommy, I like cake", "Mommy, cake is good". Yes Mason, we all know you like cake. So, all week, we have all enjoyed Daddy's cake, especially Mason. Poor fella, it's like he's never had cake before. :) We all know that is not true.
Kevin had a nice birthday. At least, I hope he did. It's hard when you get older to just sit back and enjoy the day. We look around and see the chores that need to be done and can't relax. He actually took Friday off, only to work in the yard most of the day. He planned to power wash the house, but after realizing that it would take the whole day Friday and probably the whole day Saturday, we decided to hire someone to do it for us. Best decision ever. The guy did a fabulous job and we were able to enjoy the weekend.
Silly Daddy. He's trying to look like the guy on cereal box. This gift was just a joke. He loves Cap'n Crunch and I saw this Christmas special in Wal-Mart and had to get it. He got a lot of nice things for his birthday. Jeans, a couple of sweaters, shirts, and money. 
Happy Birthday Daddy!
We Love You!
Once you pass a certain age (which I won't mention), it's just another day and a different number, right? At least that is how I feel; However, my family made me feel extra special. We all met at Mom's and she made a fabulous meal. There is never a time where we get together and don't eat! HA! Maybe it's a Southern thing or maybe our family tradition. Who knows? The food was great and the company even better and the best part was State beat UNC. WHOOHOOO!
I received lots of nice gifts. Money, gift card, a mattress warmer (awesome), orthotic slippers, buffet lamp.....you know, we always get too much. Do I really need a mattress warmer? NO! BUT it sure is nice to get into a warm bed when it is 30 degrees outside. I am thankful for the things that I have and I do try to recognize everyday that I have it better than some folks.
After dinner, Lori, Mom, and I went out shopping. I figured if I were getting a new buffet lamp, I needed two new lamps for our end tables. There was nothing wrong with our other ones, but after 10 years, you kind of get sick of looking at the same thing (unless it's your family) HAHA!! Anyway, I like the look it gave our living room and it is definitely our style. Do you believe I bought them without Kevin and he liked them too?! I hope he didn't just say it to make me happy. Too late now. ;)
NO, there is not a ghost in our pictures. Something got into the lens of the camera and we couldn't get it out. Actually, we had to send it back to Samsung to get it fixed. 
Thanks to all of those who made my day just a little more special.
