The Messiest Birthday Ever

Trying to come up with a theme that works for both kids is a little tough. Until they are old enough to realize, and ask for, seperate parties they will celebrate together. Of course, we celebrate their individual special day with their favorite meals (chicken nuggets and corn on the cob for Bella; mac and cheese with sausage for Rico) a small cake and family-sung Happy Birthday but the big party is for both of them.

Last year the theme was Pirates and Princesses. They had treasures (party favors) buried in the sandbox and plenty of princess items for the girls. This year I decided on A Bathnight Birthday. The party was meant to be so messy that the guests would have to take a bath when they got home. It was a hit!

The kiddie pool was filled with bubbles, the water table was filled with a gooey cornstarch/water mixture and the sandbox was open and toy laden. And of course, a (fake) tattoo artist. At one point a flower tattooed Bella was sopping in her swimsuit, hair crusted with goo with sand caked on her cheeks.

Rather than cake we had "dirt" pudding desserts. Rico helped me make them so he was so proud of the final result. Both kids also helped make the goody bags. (This is something Rico is really excited about when we go to parties so he was a big part in making them for his friends.) The kids used fabric paint to put their handprints on white washcloths and I later ironed on their names and birthdates. Rico picked out the candy, Skittles, at the grocery store with Tim.

Everyone had a great time. The expectations were to get messy so all the mom's were relaxed, the kids had a blast and, best of all, Rico and Bella were happy.