Party Time

As usual, Duncan had two birthday parties....a family one and a friend one. Before our kids get friend parties their family parties are a big deal with decorations and fancy cakes and things. But then once they also get a friend party their family party gets much more low key. I'm too lazy to make a big effort twice. We all went to my mom's house this year because my house was a big mess (I know there was an actual reason for this, not just the usual clutter, but it's been so long I honestly can't remember) and since I was lucky enough to get sick on Duncan's birthday (talk about feeling guilty) I wasn't up to getting it all spiffed up before everyone came over. He got lots of good stuff, including a joke book with the most ridiculous puns in it. He also got a couple of new Bionicles, which they are calling Hero Factory now. And he got an MP3 player, which he thinks is an actual iPod, but is actually just a little cheapy thing from Walmart. Big points for me, without the cost!

Also working out nicely with me feeling sick was that he had asked my mom to make these special stuffed cupcakes that are her favorite so I didn't really have to do anything. Gotta love moms.

For his friend party this year Duncan chose an alien theme. I have a rule that it has to be something generic because I don't want to spend a bunch of money on name brand decorations and party favors and stuff. Is that lame?

Family Fun had a bunch of good ideas for an alien party. It's a good thing Duncan likes crafty things! The kids all made spaceships out of foam plates and bowls with the help of markers, sequins, and stars. Note: you should actually use paper plates and bowls, not foam. The marker rubs right off the foam.

Everyone had fun launching them from our little space-wasting balcony area.

Next up was Pin the Eye on the Alien, but pictures never turn out of that game. My nephew Bryce was an awesome spinner though...he would actually pick the kids up and spin them all around the room before their turn. Then they all made alien masks. Another Family Fun idea. Green foam, pipe cleaners, sticky googly eyes, and call if good.

Ellie even got into the alien spirit.

Here's the birthday boy with all his loot. His favorite presents were a couple of the new Ninjago legos. They have provided hours of entertainment for the boys.

Instead of a big cake I thought cake pops were the way to go for aliens. These were super simple, not like the jungle pops I made a couple of years ago. The kids thought they were fun, plus no mess to clean up! Love it. Once again, a big giant thank you to my awesome nephews and niece who always come to help me at parties. You are the best!