Finn's Third Birthday

Finn turned three in March and for a little while I had been cooking up a monster-themed party (happy monsters, not scary ones). I think it's probably his last birthday party where I decide what the theme will be and I'm sure there will be lots of Lego or Star Wars or sports-themed parties in the future, so I really enjoyed this last cute one. Does that sound bad, like it's all about me? Sorry if it does, but to be completely honest, up until four or so, I don't really think kids care too much what their birthday party is themed! So since I'm doing all the work, and he'll love whatever I do no matter what, then why not pick something that I think is fun?!

The inspiration for the entire party came from a cake I saw, which I was able to recreate pretty decently, if I do say so. The eyes were Oreo truffles dipped in white chocolate and I made the irises out of black fondant, as well as the mouth. They were completely edible and pretty delicious to boot. The frosting was just homemade buttercream, dyed orange, and with extra powdered sugar to make it a little stiffer. I piped it through a frosting tip that reminded me of a Play-Do extruder. It wasn't hard to do but holy moly, my arm was cramping from all the piping when I was done. I also made a ton of extra Oreo truffles so I called them "eye balls" and served them at the party.
I chose orange, blue, and green for the colors. You can see them here on the balloons in the photo with my dad, his wife Elizabeth, and my brother, Spencer (who turns 15 in June!!!).

 Here is my own happy little monster. Up until about the end of March, Finn preferred this baby swing over a regular swing but I'm happy to report that he now enjoys a big kid swing.


I drew three monsters on pieces of poster board and hung them on the fence for the kids to color in, kind of like a mural. Maggie and Jack (the two oldest cousins) had lots of fun coloring.

 And of course I had to do a pin-the-eye-on-the-monster game. In case you haven't noticed, that is pretty much a fixture at my kids' birthday parties, but this one might have been my favorite.

 Here is Finn, post-game, with Grandma Howard, giving an enthusiastic shout. Isn't my mother-in-law so pretty, by the way?

Maggie also contributed this art work for a party decoration. It's an entire monster family, and I absolutely love it.

Here are all of the kids. It was all family except for Finn's favorite friend, Callum. In the back we have Finn and Callum, and then there is Maggie (holding her cousin, Jake), Lily Kate and Jack (my sister Erin's kids) and Jack is holding Carolina. This picture was quite a feat. I can't believe we got one with no babies crying.

Here I am with Jake (my brother Christopher's son). I'm his favorite aunt, I'm just sure of it. He loves me so much since I CAUGHT HIM AS HE WAS BORN!!!! (Sorry, just had to throw that in there.)

Here is Poppy with Finn.

Mimi and Finn



Uncle Blake and Carolina (Aunt Jenny was here but is not pictured.)






 Maggie must have been saying "Sit here, Jack!"

Finn got some fun gifts, including this Dinosaur Train dinosaur. His friend Callum (who is 9 months older), decided it was time for Finn to get into Star Wars, so he gave Finn a Land Speeder with Luke Skywalker. Finn loves it.


He also got some sweet boots from Grandma and Grandpa Howard (the Texans, who else?!).



We had a great time and were so happy to celebrate our amazing, sweet, snuggly, super-hilarious, privates-obsessed, crazy-strong three-year-old miracle. Happy Birthday, dear Finnegan!