Monster High Everywhere

Well, I suppose I ought to document the last first of Squirt's birthday celebrations so that I can close that chapter and start planning for Jim's birthday. Why are husbands so much more challenging than little kids? I say that but honestly this party stressed me out to no end, and I'm pretty sure his birthday isn't going to throw me under the bus.

I'm sure it's very surprising, but Aeryn wanted a Monster High birthday party. The only two things she asked for were a pinata and to play Just Dance 4. It would have been awesome but we weren't sure we could hang a pinata from the drop ceiling in the community room (we could have, btw) and when we were hooking up the Wii it somehow got zapped and shorted out. So, no pinata and no Wii = Mom Fail.

But not really. We made tie-dye shirts (which I have no pictures of because I was covered in dye), had a silly string battle, finally played Just Dance a little after Jim got the Playstation rigged up in place of the Wii, and of course ate cake and opened presents. There were 2 of the 6 kids with food allergies so I made sure all the food was gluten/dairy free which honestly was NOT MY FAVORITE. I'm so glad her friends could all eat everything that was there but really, I think gluten and I have a major love affair going on and it was just depressing to have a birthday party with no ice cream.

I love unhealthy, indulgent birthday parties.

Initially I planned on baking gluten free cupcakes, then Jim convinced me that was insane since I don't know what I'm doing and we went the vegan bakery route instead. They were ok, but I can't help it, I love when buttercream actually has butter in it. The girls with food issues were so happy though. I can't imagine how hard it is to go to a party and not be able to eat anything. 

We found a printable online which Aeryn cut out and made the cupcake toppers. 

I don't really think she missed the ice cream, but I sure did. 

It's funny how all the kids get excited about opening gifts. They all wanted to open the new Polly Pocket airplane and play with the hot tub that squirts water. I'm just guessing, but I think they had a reasonably fun time. It was such a slow paced party, and I prefer greater energy at these things. When it's so mellow I stress the whole time about if anyone is having fun.

With that, we close the chapter on turning 10. Any brilliant ideas what to do with that crazy background fabric?