I didn't realize how stressful parties were, now i know why all the other kids in Autumn's preschool class had parties elsewhere at like Chuck E. Cheese or gymnastic studios. But turning 5 is big in my book so I loved doing this for her. We kept it fairly simple, I made cupcakes and rice crispy treats, had a cooler full of Capri Sun and water bottles, and rented a bounce house.
Here's the treat table:
The kids played in the bounce house, and on our swing set/slide for about 45 min. then we sang to Autumn.
It was a mad rush to those cupcakes as soon as she blew out the candle.
My mom enjoying her cupcake.
Autumn in the bounce house...love her shirt. She wore it to school on her birthday day as well. A mom from her class, knowing I am crafty, asked if I had made it. I wish I had talent to make shirts. :)
Then we opened presents. She was truely very spoiled by everyone. We couldn't believe all the amazing gifts she recieved. I set up a small table for gifts and as people came or dropped off gifts we had to put them on Drews grill as well. She loved everything she got, and what surprised me was she didn't get anything she already owned. Notice that most of the guests were boys? The moms all said how much fun they had buying girly stuff since they never get to. They did great.
I am in love with this picture. This is Autumn's cousin Parker. They're a year apart and little buddies. She was very grateful for the swim suit that she got from them. She can't wait to wear it to swim lessons.
My handome nephew Ben was there too.
Autumn and Grandma.
Once presents were opened the party was pretty much over. So I was finally able to sit. I love this girl and can't believe she is 5. 5 is a big deal at our home- a big party, this summer she gets to take swim lessons and dance lessons, Kindergarten in the fall, and she has started recieving a allowance.
My little man, he was such a trooper, he's so used to doing what Autumn does and doesn't always realize that he's almost 2 years younger than her. It was nice for him to get to see that this was Autumns day and see her celebrated on her own.
Thanks to my sister for climbing in the bounce house to get action shots from inside. I am glad after the presents were opened that people hung around to enjoy it. I am also hoping that it wore the kids out enough to give their parents a break that afternoon. :)
Where was Bailey? She slept through the whole thing. It was nice not having to worry about her climbing in the bounce house with all the kids, or having her forgotten because I was busy with other stuff. It worked out perfectly.
This was my most favorite part of the whole party set up. I wrote on a piece of paper "thank you for coming" and asked Autumn to write it onto pink cardstock. She can read and when she got to "for" she decided it would be easier to just draw the number four, which she did backwards. Totally adds personality and I love it.
I had boy themed grab bags and girly ones. I wanted this party to be as gender nuetral as possible, most of who we invited were boys, but it was a girl party and I think we pulled it off.
Thanks to all of those who helped celebrate Autumn turning 5. It felt like the celebration lasted weeks afterwards, and she is still enjoying all the gifts she recieved. She loves telling people she is 5. And I can't believe my oldest is 5! Hoping 5 treats us just as good, if not better than 4. :)
