3rd Birthday: Superhero Style

This year was the first year that Claire had say in her birthday party. She first told me she wanted a superhero party {watches too much Super Why! on PBS} and then weeks in to planning it was a princess party {no explanation needed}.

I decided we could merge these two things into a: SUPERHERO PRINCESS PARTY.

Aunt Kim is party planner extraordinaire for her job and knows the best shops around Etsy. She was immediately put to work to help since the two tiny people were still taking up the majority of my time and I wanted most of the party planning done before we went to Texas. She quickly generated a list for me and I got to ordering.

The plan of getting most of the planning done before Texas was a big joke. Not one thing got done before we left except ordering everything and making a stack of it on my desk. I then planned to work on the capes in Texas and that never got done either. I apparently like to torture myself at the last minute.

In Texas, I went to Hobby Lobby and got shirts in all different colors for capes...but brought them home to Hawaii to finally work on.  We used these as part of the party favors. I must say they turned out pretty cute and Claire still plays in hers. I don't know how to sew {I need to learn} so I used heat bond strips and my iron and got to work. I cut the shirts, cut out the stars and found giant felt letters.

Kim and Jared flew in a few days before the party and while I worked on the capes, Kim worked on wrapping the boxes aka buildings I had been hoarding in the garage for months. No one was sad to see those things go away.

I could have easily made one of the cute "My Favorite Things" posters, but again no time, so I got one made and it was perfect. Claire loves it and it is in the playroom now. I can't wait to have one for our soon to be one year olds!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoulageCollection

The yummy cake and cake-pops were made by a fellow NICU mom, Cakes for Keiki. A portion of her proceeds go to buy things for the NICU. This was a no brainer on who would be making it. It was so perfect. I sent a picture and the colors I wanted to use and she did it. I sent her ideas of cake-pops and told her to do whatever she thought was best. They came out better than I imagined. It was my breakfast, lunch and dinner for days following the party.

Claire wasn't really in the mood for pictures at all, but when is she?

We did manage a few, but they don't all have smiles and not everyone is looking at the camera. This is just something I'm working on getting over. I don't think we will get a great picture unless someone is acting like a total FOOL behind the photographer for awhile.

One improvement is that she was better about people singing to her this year! No tears and limited face covering.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ryanandwren

I painted a backdrop for a photo-booth. We got pictures of most families at the party and some funny ones of just kids using the props. Even the tiny girls got in on some cute pictures.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftybouquets

Outside we had a super bubble station, the high flying superhero bounce house, tattoos because all superheros need a tattoo and a silly string fight. I think there was fun had by everyone at the party.

This summer we had pictures taken in Houston (http://natalieblazeiphotography.com) of our Super Girl. We took them in downtown Houston overlooking the skyline and they turned out pretty cute...again when she would even look at the camera!

We had a great time planning this party and a great time having it. Our little superhero had a fabulous day with her favorite friends and I had fun putting it all together.

Happiest birthday to our favorite 3 year old!

Other fun places to shop that I will go back to:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CherishedBlessings {straws and cute juice jugs were bought here!}

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyScissors {cake garland and some other foodie things}

http://www.etsy.com/shop/EverlyLaneDesign {gold wands}

http://www.etsy.com/shop/michiemay {gold star cupcake toppers}

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePaperJar {I've bought a couple tissue paper garlands from them}