It was this cake that started the theme for Andrew's birthday party. I spied it on Pinterest and thought "Andrew would love that!" He did. He really wanted his party at Chuck E Cheese. I wasn't super excited about that but he was, and that was what mattered, so I planned a "cheerful monster party" (as Andrew specified that the monsters needed to be happy and not scary) at Chuck E Cheese. He saw an advertisement for the "Ticket Blaster" at and told me he wanted his party at Chuck E Cheese so he could get the 1000 ticket in the Ticket Blaster. More on that later.
I didn't do a lot for this party ~ and what I did do, it was very last minute. I thought my free time would grow as the kids got older and I've found the opposite has been true. I have less time at home to do things like this. Which is okay...it's just a different phase of life. And Andrew was so happy with his party just the same!
I took photos of the cake, cookies, etc. as I completed them before we left as I knew the lighting would be terrible at Chuck E Cheese, and I have a lot of fun taking these photos as the cakes and cookies are so patient while I fumble with my camera settings, and work to improve my photography.
The baby monsters, which bear an unintentional striking resemblance to Oscar the Grouch and Cookie monster! :)
Monster cookies. A is for Andrew. :)
"Trix Krispies" (pinterest) made a colorful treat in the favor buckets...
I also made "monster slime" and some cake pops.
We took some photos before leaving for the party.
Andrew felt it took too long. :)
We took our usual series of family photos which I know probably seems so repetitive but I love that we have these and can watch the kids grow up in them.
It was a happy day celebrating our boy. I do so love birthday party day. And I'm always happy when birthday party day is over too. :)
I gave Matthew the choice of a striped t shirt or the monster t-shirt. He said he wanted to wear the monster shirt for Andrew's party. I was pleased as punch and am enjoying it as long as it lasts. Some day he'll be too cool for Monster t shirts.
Love these smiling faces.
We are blessed to have Grandparents who are willing to come and help and be a part of our party chaos...
I also have to say a big thank you to my party pals, Shannon who came over and saved me hours of sleep by helping me with many of the preparations, and Katie ~ who cut out eyeballs and mouths and various other things while we chatted at swim lessons. I'm grateful for friends who are willing to take part in my party craziness! :) Dan and the Grandparents are always so great as we hit the final stretch with taking orders and doing whatever needs to be done. I really appreciate it as it's so unnecessary but a lot of fun.
The next post will have our party festivities...I'm trying to get back on track with good sleep habits, which is one of my biggest challenges. I love the quiet of the house in the evening...it's a luxury that is difficult to pass up and I'm willing to compromise sleep to enjoy it along with some much cherished personal time. But Dan keeps telling me that I have to accept that my body has limits...something I struggle to do. :) So Good night for now!
