Smunchie's Monster Party!

I am trying to recommit to posting more regularly on the blog.  As such, I think I am going to "give up on catching up".  As in, I am going to have to start posting things that happen NOW, instead of trying to catch the blog up.  So, if you want to see happenings from November until now, you'll have to ask me directly!

Today, we celebrated Smunchie's third birthday one week early, since her actual birthday is on Easter this year! She had a Monster party with friends and family, complete with food, games and, of course, cake!  This is the first year that she truly understood what "birthday party" meant, so it was especially special for all of us.  She has been such a treasure to grow in the Lord and she continues to amaze us every day.

Some of the decor for the party:

 

Smunchie picked most of the food for the party.  She requested grapes, oranges, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and lasagne!  I added in some cold-cuts and hawaiian rolls, to round out the offerings.  Of course, I tried to "monster up" all the food!

 Of course, no Monster Party would be complete without monster clothes!

 Guests started arriving, despite the rainy weather.  The guests all got to spend time playing with sensory bins, Play-Doh, do-a-dot markers or Squigz toys.  They all had a great time waiting for everyone to get there!

 Next, it was time for lunch and CAKE!  Smunchie was thrilled with her mama-and-Gogie (Kathryn) made cake.  She was so sweet and excited when everyone sang to her and she was even able to blow out the candles all on her own!

  After cake, we played "Pin the Eye on the Monster".  Thanks to Rhiannon, we had a blindfold (since this mama forgot!).  The kids took a little while to catch onto what we were doing but once they did, they had a blast. They all laughed together at the crazy places that the eyes ended up (including on one partygoer's head).

After games, we sat together to hear "There was an Old Monster", while each kid held a Monster puppet for one page.  Some of the kids really got into making the puppet tell the story!  Others decided that Do-a-Dots were cooler :-)

Next, it was Monster Adoption time!  Each of the kids picked a monster to adopt, as a take home from the party.  Then they named them and got an adoption certificate.

Finally, no party would be complete without presents.  And my oh my, Smunchie got some wonderful presents!  She was flabbergasted by her friends, both for their generosity and their creativeness! 

A big thank you to all of the friends that came to the party.  Smunchie had a wonderful time and truly felt loved.  I cannot believe that in one week, she will be three!