Superhero Birthday Party

So, my baby boy is turning FOUR! Ugh. . . I can't believe it! 

Just over a year ago, I remember being 8 months pregnant and holding Evan on my lap. I thought, "Boo hoo. . . this may be one of the last times I rock you to sleep!" And I think it was :( 

He is still a very affectionate and "huggy" boy, but no way does he fall asleep on me anymore!

In the beginning of August, Jessica's first birthday party was a big deal. A week later, Grandma & Grandpa came to visit (and are still here). Evan's birthday party plans took a "back burner" to all the activities that were going on, but I wanted to do something he would enjoy!

We decided on a superhero theme because he couldn't decide which superhero was his favorite. We had lots of Spiderman decorations (thanks to a high school friend), but the cake was just red, white, and blue with stars. We set up the superhero toys we had and made some superheros out of toilet paper tubes. We also played "catch the villain" - thanks to my friend's 11 yr old son :) Here are some pics:

My "Super Evan"

The kids loved those marshmallow stars!

Revealing his secret identity - lol!

The making of a super hero

Singing and blowing out the candles

Present time!!!

Sammy and Levi

Shoot out!

My super girl :)

Super cousins!

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

I don't usually post recipes because I do not consider myself a cooking connoisseur. . . in the least! But, this is one of those recipes that friends and family both enjoy, so I thought I would share :)


Let me also add, this is a very simple meal that takes little time to make. It is often difficult to prepare a meal with 3 boys running around and a 1 yr. old tugging at my apron strings, so I appreciate meals that do not require lots of chopping and mixing ;)

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground sausage or ground beef 
2 Tbs. flour
2 Tbs. butter
1 c. milk
1 can of black beans (or really, any kind of bean you like)
1 can of corn
1 can chopped tomatoes & green chilis (Rotel)
Shredded cheese (any kind will work) I like Colby/Jack for this
Tater tots

In a skillet, cook ground sausage/beef and drain the fat. Put meat into a casserole dish and set aside. Preheat oven to 375. Wipe down skillet with a paper towel and then add flour and butter. Cook on medium until mixture starts to bubble (about 2 min). Add milk and stir until it becomes a think white sauce. Add in beans, corn, and tomatoes. Pour this mixture on top of the meat in the casserole dish. Add enough shredded cheese to cover the mixture, then add a layer of tater tots. Bake for about 20 min. until tater tots are browned and mixture is bubbling. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and salsa.

mmmmmm. . . cheese. . . 

                                                               

Butterfly Birthday Party

Long before my baby girl was born, I decided butterflies would be the theme for her room. This came about as I was registering at Babies R Us online. I was looking for baby girl items that were purple - and they were not easy to come by! Finally, I spotted a soft lilac colored blanket with a butterfly in the corner. I loved it! And the best part, is that someone actually bought that blanket and gave it to me before she was even born!

She had that blanket in the hospital, and has slept with it ever since! In her nursery there is one wall painted dark purple and butterflies adorn her walls. It seemed logical, that when she had her first birthday, butterflies would be the theme!

In July, I started looking online for ideas and decided what I would do for her cake. We celebrated yesterday, and here is how it turned out:

The porch was decorated with purple tulle and purple, pink, and white balloons. I had the tables covered in pink and purple table clothes, but didn't get a photo of those.

I bought a packet of pink butterflies at the Dollar Tree and used them to decorate. Here I wrote on the words "Happy Birthday" and made them into a banner.

Since we had boys and girls of  various ages, I made up separate treat bags. The girls got a lady bug mirror and comb with some candy and the boys got a toy motorcycle and candy. 

All the kids received these double straws that I made to look like butterflies.

My oldest son helped make these butterfly cereal bags to give to the younger ones who couldn't eat candy.

I decided to make a smaller cake since I also had cupcakes and cookies. The butterflies are just cut out of homemade fondant. The cake was "funfetti" on the top layer with a strawberry base.

The kids enjoyed these butterfly cupcakes!

I just dipped mini pretzels in white chocolate and coated them in purple sugar. I frosted the angel food cupcakes with a pink whipped cream cheese frosting. Mmmmmm!

Of course the baby needed her own cake to "tear into," so I made this little butterfly cake with the extra batter. I think she thought the colored sugar was pretty because she just kept poking at it with her fingers :)

I decorated the piano with one of her tutus and some butterfly stuff.

And this is a place mat that I made for free from http://www.inkgarden.com/

I figured we could use it as a banner for her birthday and it worked out great!

Overall, I think the party was a success! It seemed our little "sweet pea" enjoyed herself all night!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!!