This weekend our gorgeous boy turned 4. For ages we had been trying to work out what to do and how to celebrate it. Party or no party? He is only 4 after all. We saw packages at our favourite farm with soft play that seemed like a good deal but also ended up working out very expensive by the time you included all our friends’ children. Then we talked about doing something different. Taking him to cbeebies land or something as a treat instead. He’s so young, will he even remember a party at this age? Then I realised I can remember my 4th birthday party at a local community centre with a few friends and a fab cake my mum made.
My 4th Birthday way back 🙂
Also, Monkey started asking for a party and asking for specific friends to come. In the couple of months leading to his birthday we have 6 family birthdays and about 10 friends with birthdays. It is a time with a lot of celebrations and lots of parties and cakes and blowing out candles. How could we deny our little Monkey a party of his own when we go to so many others?
I had to convince hubs slightly as he thought it would be too stressful. We went to a 4yr olds party a couple of years ago where there were lots of party games and any kid who lost was in tears and there was fighting over presents and it was a bit crazy! So we decided only a couple of simple games where everyone is the winner. They are so young after all and plenty of time to learn about being a good loser. Even keeping it really simple there was a lot to organise in the run up to the big day. It was fun but hard work too. We hired our local community centre for couple of hours for £24, bought a bubble machine and a laser light and then got some pirate themed bits and bobs.
The kids were so happy running round chasing balloons and bubbles and having fun together. Thankfully the rain that was forecast held off and they were able to play outside. I had hidden some plastic coins outside and planned to do a treasure hunt.. But forgot and let the kids out to play. Haha oops! But they all enjoyed finding them anyway and were so proud of their treasure. We also bought some modelling balloons and set the parents to work making swords and flowers and anything else they could manage which was funny and well kids love balloons don’t they?
We then did a pass the parcel which was funny as there were sweets in each layer and by the end they were all too busy chomping on sweets to care about playing and they all needed a lot of prompting! We also tried sleeping lions but that didn’t go down as well, some of the younger ones were just too young really.
Food wise I just cooked some cheese pizzas beforehand and had pom bear crisps, popcorn and chopped strawberries and grapes.
I made the cake and to be honest I probably could have bought a better one and it would have been much easier than the faff of making one and icing it etc…. But I remember loving the cakes my mum made us and even if they are rubbish I hope my kids remember the cakes I make in the same way. Monkey loved his cake today and it tasted nice so that’s all that matters really.
Overall the party went really well and everyone seemed to have a really good time. Later on at home we asked Monkey if he enjoyed his party. His response was
“I really really did so so much. ”
That makes it all worthwhile and I am so glad we did it.
Ahh! It looks like everyone had a great time.
I hope your boy had a very happy birthday! It looks like he did x
It looks like a perfect birthday party to me, in someways 4 is easy as they love the simple games, on the other hand it is the first year the parents tend to drop and run leaving you inchharge. Looks like you did a great job. #Letkidsbekids
This looks like a lovely party! I’m already thinking about what to do for my daughter’s 4th birthday. We had a party for her first but for the last couple of years we’ve had a day out instead, now I’m thinking it might be time for another party! #letkidsbekids
Looks like a really lovely, fun party for everyone. It all sounds very familiar to me with the chomping of sweets before the game’s finished 🙂 Definitely sounds like it was all worth it.
Thanks for sharing with and supporting #LetKidsBeKids linky each week x
I am already thinking about the gremlin’s third birthday as she is already talking about what she wants!! Pressure. Aw monkey looks like he had a brilliant time and you did a fab job. Pass the parcel with pressies for them all is such a winner xx #twinklytuesday #thetruthabout
Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst x
Aw! I really need to get my finger out and organise something for EJ for July!! I keep reading about four year old’s parties! I know what you mean though about maybe it being a bit too young but I’m regressing – I did a full on circus themed party for EJ’s second and he had a proper party in a hired hall for his first birthday too (all the guests were friends of his big brother!). Last year we just took him to LEGOLAND but I can see from this post that a party went down so well with Monkey and he obviously enjoyed it so much! I did a pirate party for JJ’s fifth birthday and made the cake myself too and looking back I think I really did give myself loads of work but I also remember enjoying it so much myself too! Not sure EJ has enough good friends… Anyway thanks for linking up to #thetruthabout and a belated Happy Birthday to Monkey!! Xx
It sounds like a fab day, really sounds like you all had a lot of fun and that it wasn’t too stressful. I’m glad Monkey enjoyed his party, as you say, that makes it all worthwhile! #TwinklyTuesday
Debbie
Ahoy me hearties…
Hahahaha I can’t stop chuckling to myself. I love the adults all dressed up as pirates too. I love a good old themed birthday party. It looks like you out did yourself and your little Monkey looks like he had a great old time. & great cake. Your little man will remember his 4th birthday for sure X
Renee @peonieandme #bestandworst
Awww I really enjoyed this post, as my daughter is 4 in a couple of weeks too. It looks like a lovely party and fun had by all. Kids are so funny!
We only have parties every other year and this year is party year so have my work cut out…fingers crossed! x
Keeping the food simple is the way to go! Pinterest may tell you otherwise but that can be a total waste of time. Glad fun was had #thetruthabout
I love the eyepatches and bandanas for the adults!
Awe, what a great birthday! I love the simplicity of it and yet all of the fun! Those balloon swords are awesome!!!