We had family and friends over for a BBQ swim party that was ocean/whale themed. I didn't get around to getting invites sent out, BUT I did pin some cute ideas on Pinterest. That's just as good, right?? ;)
Here's my board that I pinned ideas on for his party: Austin's Birthday Party Ideas
Some ideas were used, and some I just dreamed of doing. *ahem Whale Watermelon*
My absolutely favorite part of the birthday party planning was making these amazing whales. They were favors for the 4 babies (one being Austin) that were coming to the party.
This is the pattern that I used. DIY Plush Whale Pattern I loved making a plush toy and now I want to make more! I think the babies liked them too. That's what really matters.
After the whales were done, I started to work on the banners. I just cut out triangles to the size I wanted. Each triangle on the banner is double layered so there really isn't a wrong side. I put the two pieces together and zig zag stitched around the sides. When I got to the top, I made the zig zag stitch a little wider so it would go around the hemp rope that I used.
The last banner that I made was from scraps of fabric that I had in my stash. I'm glad I was able to use that fabric - finally!
Sure, my DIYs were crafty and fun.. but what Hayley at Bee Sweet Confections does is nothing short of AMAZING! Check out the cookies she made for the adult/older kid favors here: Bee Sweet Confections
Her picture is way better than mine since she was able to take the picture before they were put into the bags. Make sure you like her page and find her on Instagram. You definitely need to check out her crazy skills. Here's my picture. It does not do it justice.
Back to the party - The centerpieces were a light blue and royal blue overlay with shells, goldfish crackers, and fish whistles for the kids. My daughter and the kids that live next door helped me and my mother in law decorate the tables. They loved helping.
We had hamburgers and octopus hot dogs. They were a hit with the kids! They ate all the octopus and there were still a ton of regular hot dogs left. A tutorial how to make them is here: Octopus Hot Dogs .. We also had Ocean Water. I used Sprite with a little food coloring. The fish sank straight to the bottom so I had them in a bowl next to the Ocean Water and the kids were able to throw them into their cups.
Thank you to everyone who celebrate the big ONE on Saturday. Austin had so much fun and I'm so happy that he has so many people that love him in his life.
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I have one last DIY to show you. Addison wanted to make Austin a fort for his birthday. I was able to make this for a few dollars!! Here is the tutorial: A-Frame Tent.
I got the wood from Lowe's. They were really easy to find. The descriptions in the link made it really easy to identify. My father in law drilled the holes. It wasn't as tight of a fit as I thought it would be so I put a couple nails in it to make it stay into place. The fabric is a white sheet that I already had. I cut it to size and added elastic at the bottom to hold it in place. I also sewed a little lip at the bottom of each corner so it wrapped on the bottom of the wood. I don't have a picture of that, but if you want to see what I'm talking about I can definitely add a picture.
I think Austin enjoys it. ;)
XOXO-- Sarah
