Ben turns four years old tomorrow. This year was a party year for Ben and he requested a Cars theme. We’re trying to alternate between party birthday and non-party birthdays for our kids…Charlotte and Ben had parties this year, Rosemary will have one next year. On non-party years, we try to do something special either as a family or with just the birthday child.
Cars was a fun theme to put together. Thanks to well stocked party store, Dollar Tree, and Pinterest, I think it was one of the easiest parties we’ve done. Really, none of the things that we did were my idea…all are gathered from various sites found via Pinterest.
We tried something different this time since we don’t have a whole lot of space in our house and it’s pretty hot outside right now. We made it a drop off party and I think this is how Rosemary and Ben’s parties will be from here on out. My parents were here to help out with the kids so we had four adults and six kids (including Charlotte) and things went so smoothly. The main thing was making sure we had enough to stay busy for the two hours, and we did. We also decided to make Ben and Rosemary’s bedroom off limits. That controlled how many toys came into the living room. As a result, we only had the box of cars out and clean up was so quick. It made for a fun and stress-free afternoon celebrating Ben.
The birthday boy with our very own (slightly cross-eyed) Lightning McQueen
I asked Ben if he wanted his sign to say “Welcome to Ben’s Birthday Party” or “Welcome to Ben’s Motor Speedway.” You can see what he picked.
I have learned to just buy cakes for parties. I don’t like to bake and the end result never looks like I pictured it in my head if I attempt them myself. Thank goodness for Sam’s. I’m not stressed and it saves me so much time.
Ready for the party to begin!
Mom helped me with organizing the kids and keeping things running smoothly. She also got things pretty much cleaned up before the party was even over.
First, the kids ate a lunch of chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and grapes. Then they got a quick run down on the activities of the afternoon.
First up, a relay race outside. Rather than have the kids race against each other, we just timed them running from one end of the yard to the other. For all five to run, it took a total of 55 seconds. We did it three times. Then we went back inside. It was hot. :-)
Once inside they were ready for some Pin the 95 on Lightning.
All of the party attendees – Rosemary, Lucy, Ben, Evan, and Asher
Even little Charlotte wanted a turn. She did pretty well! I thought she might freak out being blindfolded, but no. She was as cool as a cucumber.
After that, we headed over to get some tattoos…a la Ramone’s House of Body Art.
Look who wanted to be a part of that action, too.
This was another Pinterest find, marble races with cut in half pool noodles. For $5 for all of the supplies, the kids enjoyed racing these time and time again.
Next up, Tractor Tippin’ with some dominoes.
The kids started building their rows individually, then started to work together to make longer ones.
Then they decided that they’d ALL work together…without prompting. Isn’t that great?!
This group of children was AMAZING! They played well together, were obedient, cheerful, and kind. When it was time to move on to something else, they would pick up when I asked and then move on with great attitudes. And they all had excellent manners. I heard so many “May I please” and “Thank yous” from this group!
Next up, a game of Cars Bingo…from a Pinterest find, once again. We played until everyone got Bingo.
Present time
Making his wish and blowing out his candles
Enjoying cake and opening up the goody bags filled with a car, Piston Cup, and some more tattoos.
By then, it was about time for parents to come back so we headed into the living room for the kids to play with their cars.
The boys
Everyone playing together. This got a little rough for Ben at this point. He had a tough time sharing some of his new cars. Somehow they worked something out and I think all went well.
Once kids were picked up, we took care of the little bit that needed to be cleaned up, but mom had gotten most of it already. Jonathan and my dad took videos and pictures throughout the day for me. We left up the decorations though for Ben to enjoy on his actual birthday.
We had a leisurely afternoon then headed out for Chinese food. Mom picked China Super Buffet. I hope that we don’t get sick. It was an adventure, to say the least.
This guy was exhausted. He eventually woke up and ate some dinner. Ben had been looking forward to this party for weeks and it had finally happened. What a fun day!
