Too Much Monkey Business...

That was the theme of Samantha's bday party, which we are now having. Her bday was earlier this year, but with rehearsals for her spring dance production, we couldn't plan a party (rehearsal schedules were only provided 1-2 weeks out). So we opted for a belated party, post "Hansel and Gretel".


Samantha's choice? A craft party. So we reserved the library meeting room (no charge!) and she picked 3 projects to complete (don't ya love Oriental Trading Company?). We ran two projects in tandem. One was a making a pillow (a la Valentine's Day conversation hearts). Only the girls did this one. Just tie the pre-cut flannel heart shapes and stuff. Cool beans!

The second project was to paint Monkey suncatchers. These were really cute and the kids got to pick from a dozen fun colors. We even let the 2 boys in on this. Nicholas had fun making his monkey shine!




While the gals made pillows, the boys painted wooden vehicles. It kept them busy and out of the gals way for a little while. Probably better off that way!

And to keep with the monkey theme, I tried to recreate one of the suncatcher monkeys on the cake. It turned out okay, if I do say so myself. And Samantha loved it...and that's the best compliment I could ask for.

Didn't think we'd have time to start and finish the 3rd project (a bracelet with little monkey charms) so let the gals take those home. Instead, we filled the final minutes with a rousing game of "Ape, Ape, Monkey". Think "Duck, Duck, Goose" but with wild and crazy critters instead. It really was a big hit.

After cleanup, we went to dinner with 2 of the families. Had a very nice end to a great evening. But wait...there's more. Two of her friends are staying the night with us...a continuation of her bday party festivities. And so the gals can have a little peace from little brother, Nicholas went to Sean's for the night. All in all, a great way to end a great day!