Christian, Christian, Christian. . .the day after his party he woke up saying he was actually "five years old!"  

Here are some of my favorite things about the party. . .

Who doesn't love treat bags with little trinkets, toys, and candy?

This was one of the party favors. . .We gave out inflatable balls along with this little printable!

We started a new tradition.  All of our guests signed Christian's birthday book.  Every year he's going to get a new book and all the guests will sign it.  I'll add a picture from his party on the inside cover.  I'm sure in 6 years when he's 10 he'll want nothing to do with this book, but at least I'll have a memory of my handsome little four year old guy!  I hope he'll enjoy looking back on the memories too.

We kept the "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" menu simple:  pizza, fruit, and juice boxes.  Nothing fancy.

We just went with a classic cookie from Great American Cookie Co.  Simple, yet so delicious!

This is wrapping paper that I used as a table decoration.  When the party ended, Mr. Perry rolled it up and we added it to our party supplies.  Not sure how long it will last, but I know it will make it to Solomon's party in April 2012!  I love it because the colors match just about anything.  Solomon's having a "Very Hungry Caterpillar" party because he just eats and eats and eats and eats and eats. . .No one can resist pinching his chubby little cheeks and tummy!

Please excuse the pizza. . .I couldn't get a good shot of the kids while they were eating.  Someone always had food hanging out of their mouth!

Four little candles. . .

My big guy. . .

Growing up way to fast. . .

After a little bit of limbo, bowling, and opening gifts the boys actually slept in until 7:00 am.  It's a good thing my parents and grandmother were in town because I was exhausted!

Christian's Invitation

This weekend I have devoted a lot of time to planning for Christian's 3rd birthday party, which is about a month away.  I found the cutest idea for his invitations.  Even though I loved the Eric Carle "Very Hungry Caterpillar" cards, I think I'm going to go with this one.  

Remember, he was born on President's Day-so I think this one is perfect for him! All I need to figure out now is which picture I like best.  I'll probably just several of them since they're so stinkin' cute!  

Celebration Time

This afternoon we worked on some activities that gave me goosebumps!  

First we wrote a "how-to" about making an ice cream sundae. I used one of the pages that Mrs. Walksy created.  Take a look at her post about directions.  Thank you Mrs. Walsky for this wonderful resource.

http://first-grade-teachers.blogspot.com/ 

Then the students added toppings to their ice cream and went to the whole group meeting area.  We used the sundae's to celebrate Dr. King's birthday.

  The class was sitting so quietly as I read "Happy Birthday Martin Luther King."  I know it was partially because they were eating ice cream, but I it was also because they were so engaged and interested in the text.  

After we finished the book, we discussed things that we've learned about Dr. King, and I was blown away by many of the responses.  I am so proud of each one of my first grade students!

Eric Carle Birthday Bash!

My oldest son, Christian, is turning 3 next month (I can't believe-seems like he was just born)!  I'm working on a birthday bash...Eric Carle style!  His favorite 3 things are food/eating, reading/books, and sports.  

I figure that I'll focus on the reading and books while he's young since he has plenty of time for sports later on!  I picked up these really cute party supplies from Target.  I'm also thinking about having an Eric Carle celebration at school (in May) when we finish our author study!  

stickers and table cloth

Party invitations and plates...

napkins and a book (found these at Mardel recently 2 for $5...might be something extra to add to the gift bags.  Each book has seeds inside so you can grow your own flowers)!

Desert plates and napkins