party!

We had decided to do a small party at the house for Riley for his birthday. We took him to the beach on his actual birthday. I was thinking like 10 people...but it ended up being more like 46! Most of them being kids. I was looking around during the party and was overwhelmed a little by all the people that love and care about my son. He is one lucky kid. We had a great time. I made cupcakes instead of a getting a cake. and because Of the number I needed to make I had to get creative and make my own cupcake stand. I was rather pleased with the way it tuned out. Instead of games, because I am not big on party games, I created a craft table with glue sticks, color pages, construction paper, foam stickers and crayons and markers and stickers. it was a hit. even the adults could be found coloring at the table :0) outside I had some lightning mcqueen beach balls I scored at the dollar tree and some bubbles with large wands, sidewalk chalk. I found some trophy's for free at a garage sale a few weeks ago and snatched them up. When I pulled them out for the party Riley got all excited..My piston cup! I used them for candy bowls. I found some free clip art and made my own labels using address labels and just stuck them around the chocolate pieces. they were a big hit. I also took the same idea for gift bags and just stuck them onto paper bags. The party was a big success.
The next day we got up early and headed to the beach for the day. It was beautiful day! Riley was so excited to go. we went to the aquarium, outlet malls, and of course the beach. that was his favorite. all the way there he was telling us that he was going to swim in the ocean. Umm, yeah. then we hit our favorite candy store on the way out and got some taffy and homemade Carmel. what a great way to spend a birthday! happy big 3 little man!