Angry Bird parties 1.0 and 2.0!

We (DH and I) survived 2 weeks in a row of birthday parties.  We debated whether or not to do 2 parties, or one HUGE party.  We figure, this may be the last time we do the "invite-the-entire-class" party, so the thought of having over 40 kids (because overseas, regardless of instructions, everyone brings a sibling/cousin/friend) was VERY overwhelming.  So, we opted to throw 2 separate parties, two weeks in a row.  But, I can't really complain, because, they chose the same theme, so we just did a repeat!  Thanks to all the parents who stayed behind to help!  The result was 2 very successful parties and 2 VERY happy little boys!

(and apologies for the smudge in the pics!  A new camera has since been purchased!)

Angry printables were found here:  Angry Bird Poop, All other printables

Let us know if you have any questions...feel free to Pin away!

Decorations and favors:

See the printable links above...just fill with m&ms.  We used plain, peanut, and peanut butter filled ones!

Our favor bags...if I could have found them, I would have used the different colored ones.  How cute would that have been?  Trials of living in Africa!

The snacks/food:

By far the hit of the party...a great video tutorial can be found at The Sisters Cafe.  I didn't do the third layer because it calls for diet soda.  I don't like to think of myself as an "uber-mom" but the thought of serving diet soda to children for aesthetic purposes didn't jive (off my soap box).  I used juice and gatorade. 

 

I would recommend using a color printer for the signs....guess what died about 2 weeks before our parties?

        

The hit of the party!  The sling shot!

I keep getting asked, and the answer is YES!  I did hand paint all the balls!  The paint didn't last long, but the kids had fun, and that's all that matters.

   

Rules being explained...notice the "zone of safety" outlined by the firewood!

One of the balls decided to join the real birds

P.S. I've debated whether or not to put up photos for the cakes, for fear they will end up on Cake Wrecks, but here goes nothing...(go ahead and boost my ego...tell me they're great LOL)

And the cakes...YIKES: 

And of course, the parents had to have a go: 

Angry Bird Party...PREVIEW!

So the boys want a Angry Bird Party...how do you do that in Africa?  Well, with a lot of on-line shopping, but most importantly CREATIVITY!  The parties are coming up in the next couple of weeks.  The good news about having kids who are only 2 years and 2 weeks apart, they usually agree on the same theme (so far at least) and I just plan for a few weeks, and then I'm done for about 48 weeks :)!

Jo and I have been lacking in our posting, but we know you are all out there.  We hate to say "we're busy" because we know that all of you are, too.  I want to post some previews (since we've been planning for about a month).  I will post the entire party in a few weeks.

Be patient with me, our baby brother is getting married in about a month.  So I have 2 parties to throw (and maybe a third...can we say an "Adult Only Angry Bird Party"...) and then I have to get my family of 4 back to the States.  Hopefully I will be on top of things, but for sure will try and plan to post before Thanksgiving?

Remember, this is just a preview!  Don't forget to pin us and send people our way!

First we painted some dodge balls:

 

Then we built a sling shot...we had to test it...

We made cake pops for the class (I used these instructions from  Divas Can Cook)...

And lastly, we had to try the layered punch (I've been dying to try this).  Just use different drinks with varying sugar contents.  I used CranApple Juice (32 grams of sugar) and G2 Gatorade (15 grams of sugar).  Make sure the glass has A LOT of ice.  Pour the different layers VERY slowly over the ice.  If you want a third layer, add a diet drink (0 grams of sugar) last.  I think I'm going to avoid this.  I'm not sure why (maybe I still hear mom's voice in my head) but I don't think kids should drink diet soda.  For the party I'm going to fill my big punch/beverage dispenser, but thought I would try the glasses first:

       

Constructing the perfect party

My son was invited to the cutest party this weekend—a construction party. Dad is in the construction business, which came in handy. They brought in a truckload of sand and dumped it in a huge pile in the back yard for the kids to play in. They decorated with road signs and safety cones. They gave the kids a ride around the block in a real dump truck. Each kid made their own safety vest out of a paper sack. Everyone went home with their own plastic hardhat. My two year old boy thought this was better than his visit to see Santa. They totally set the standard this year. I am not sure if I will be able to top it for our March birthday boy. I am posting photos below. Make sure to check out the totally adorable cake.

Let's Eat

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Super Bowl Menu

The Super Bowl is all about snacking. This menu provides a variety of options. Make sure to keep all your hot items hot and your cold items cold. You don’t want your guest leaving with an unwanted parting gift.

Main Dish:

Party Sub/ Deli Tray/Homemade Sandwich Platter

Homemade Chili and Cornbread Muffins

Appetizers:

Variety of Chips and Crackers

Cheese Ball or Cheese Tray

Buffalo and Lemon Pepper Wings

Veggie Tray

Relish Tray

Cold Dips:

Salsa

Onion

Creamy Dill

Curry

10-Layer Mexican

Hot Dips

Artichoke

Buffalo Chicken

Nacho Cheese

Side Dishes:

Fruit Salad

Potato Salad

Pasta Salad

Broccoli Salad

Kids:

Hot Dogs

Make Your Own Grilled Cheese Station

Drinks:

Hot Cocoa

Hot Cider

Hot Water and Teabag assortment

Coffee

Soda

Lemonade

Sweet Tea