Party

Birthday parties this year are taking on a simpler style. I'm quite sure what we'll cook up for Gavin's party yet... If you have any great ideas, let me know!

Since we celebrated part of Benett's birthday at the lake, and there were lots of cousins, we wanted to create a party that everyone could enjoy. A treasure hunt was just the thing. The older kids read the clues and everyone ran along, keeping things fast paced and fun. In the treasure box we had a bag for each child with small treats and toys.

To eat we made individual cakes in 1/2 pint canning jars. They were like cupcakes, only a little bigger, which was a hit with the boys. Sometimes a cupcake just isn't enough!

I made the cakes a few days in advance. While they were hot out of the oven, I put the lids on them to seal each cake. Then, just before the party we unsealed the jars, frosted and decorated each. The best part is that they were simple to make and were easy for big or little kids (and adults) to eat.

The decorations were very easy too. We created streamers by using a circle punch and sewing all of the resulting circles together. Easy!

We couldn't throw the long streamer away, so now it adorns Benett's bedroom walls. It adds a fun pop of color and is a great reminder of a fun day.