Don't Blink, Bow Ties Are Cool, and Birthday Parties

It's been a while since I was excited about the theme of one of my kids' birthday parties. No, actually, let me rephrase that. It's been a while since I had the mental energy to really get into the theme of a birthday party. I think that's more accurate. Or maybe I just really liked the theme for this one.

My daughter chose a Doctor Who theme for her party this year. I don't know if you're aware of this little fact, but you can't just walk into Party City and buy Doctor Who plates, cups, napkins, or decorations. Consequently, we spent a long time on Pinterest finding ideas. I can't remember the last time I had to do so much for a party. Perhaps never. I think I could always find something store bought before. It felt good to use my creativity for a change, though. So far, things haven't turned out too badly, and I'm encouraged.

Today, we're making pasta salad with red bow ties (because bow ties are cool). I'm really curious to see if the bow ties really take the red food coloring without tasting horrible. At least it will look nice :)

Bow tie pasta salad

I started this blog post Saturday, and the party was yesterday. I think that tells you how wrapped up I was and exhausted from this birthday party.

Because of circumstances, and life, it's been a long time since we had more than about 15 people at a birthday party. Yesterday was different. I had relatives from out of town come to Buffalo specifically for my daughter's party, a dear aunt came with a cousin who happened to be in town. My daughter's friends that she invited were here, and both of her godparents were here.

On her actual birthday, she said, “I wish that my relatives from out of town could come. It's been so long since I've seen them.” She got her wish (and then some!), and it was wonderful!

I was beyond exhausted last night. Once the last guest had departed, and all the treat bags were handed out, I was so beat I wanted to cry. Was it worth it? Heck to the YES! I would do it again in a minute, just to have that much laughter in the house, and see so many smiles. I don't think my daughter stopped smiling until she went to sleep.

On Wednesday, I found myself scrambling for a cake for Sunday. I had one lined up from somewhere else, but circumstances and life got in the way (familiar theme, right?). Wednesday evening I put a post on Facebook asking if anyone could recommend anyone or anywhere for a cake. I hesitated to go to a bakery because I didn't want to spend $100 for a 12^th birthday cake. Not that it wouldn't be worth it; I know cakes can be extremely labor intensive, but it was a 12^th birthday cake. A friend of mine contacted me, and she volunteered to do a cake and cupcakes. Mind you, she has her own issues (because, really, who doesn't?), but there she was, helping me in a pinch. Not only did she make a fabulous cake and adorable cupcakes, she and her husband delivered them before the party! My daughter was thrilled!

The decorations for the party were really cute, even though I forgot parts of the TARDIS on the door. Oh well.

Banner I made

Back of the banner

TARDIS (almost) door

Favor bags and bow tie napkins

I just hope my son wants something from Party City for his birthday :)

There are remnants of the party to clean up, but for the most part, the house is back to the structured chaos of everyday life. And I begin my recovery from the party.