Welcome to Liam's Legoland!
This year's birthday celebration was the fastest thrown together and least planned party I've ever done, and yet it turned out to be SO fun and enjoyable for everyone! We are surprising Liam with a family trip to Disneyland on his actual fifth birthday, and thoughts of the big reveal and secretly collecting items/packing for the trip has been consuming my mind. Because of that, an actual party didn't really ever occur to me. I figured once the day came, he would be so excited about the trip he wouldn't think twice about not having a party. But silly me, he's getting older and started asking about his big "whole hand" birthday weeks in advance.
Three weeks ago he very sweetly and innocently asked me if he was going to have a birthday party this year. Even though he has a huge surprise coming, he has no idea, and he's used to big shin-digs with his friends so I very well couldn't say no to my baby! I suggested bowling which he jumped at the chance to do and asked him to pick a "theme" for decorations. He chose Legos and we were set; a bowling Lego birthday for my big {almost} five year old! I kept it small and only invited his preschool class and two close friends. Since we are celebrating with family all Easter weekend, we decided this would just be a friend party so I was able to do it on a Friday morning. I highly recommend Friday parties if possible -- if you're having the party at a venue like a bowling alley (or trampoline place or Chuck E Cheese) it's way less crowded and keeps the numbers down because they are no older siblings or husbands.
I had to keep decor to a minimum because of the location, but that doesn't mean I couldn't go all out for the favor bags! Liam helped me make lego bags for everyone we filled them with all kinds of goodies!
My friend Tracey introduced me to this "lego kit" on Pinterest, and I decided to make one for each big kid. They were a little time consuming, but they provide hours of entertainment and are great fine motor skill practice! You can make a set HERE!
How cute are these crayons?! I found them on amazon and couldn't resist!
We also filled the bags with candy, bouncy balls, and these crayon blocks that kind of look like legos. I found them at Target.
This lego 5 was made courtesy of my awesome husband!
And this was the whole set up! I found the cute lego banner at Target, and the bags and the five completed the decor. Easy peasy!
I also ordered some lego candy blocks to top plain cupcakes. Also easy!
Then it was time to get the party started!
It was cute watching them cheer each other on. They would chant each other's name and jump and cheer when they knocked pins down. I love their sweet friendships!
Liesl had a blast bowling for the first time!
After about an hour of bowling, it was time for cake and presents! I found the lego candles on amazon as well.
His excitement was too much!
He told me he wished for a talking dog, ha!
After presents everyone began to leave. Liam and a few of his friend played some arcade games while we cleaned up and that was it! I'm still a fan of themed parties at home, but I have to say this one was just as big a hit will probably become the norm as the kids get older.
We have a paper chain countdown until his real birthday, and LOTS of celebrating between now and then! Liam, you are one loved little boy!
