finn's 3rd birthday

we celebrated finley's third birthday a few weekends ago and his party was so much fun. because he's three and his preferences change on a whim, i didn't ask him what he might want for a theme. i picked construction because i knew he'd like it and it was easy!

we decorated the night before while he was asleep and when he woke up he toured the house and said "i'm so impressed by this place!". sometimes i think i'm just doing this stuff for me, but he loved it.

 

i designed the invites trying to bridge the gap between "all boy" and my own style. all of the printables had the same theme (favor tags, flag banners, cake toppers, food labels) and the color scheme of yellow and orange was easy to carry throughout the party.  i bought large disposable roasting pans and filled them with sand and construction trucks for a little indoor digging station and provided each child with a construction hat. we didn't have any games or activities outside of "play in the dirt" and "take out all of finn's toys", but toddlers and preschoolers don't need more than that to have a good time!

 

the food was simple - basically what a construction worker might bring in their old fashioned metal lunch pail (they still do that, right?!). we had sandwich triangles, carrots sticks/dips, orange wedges, bunny cracker mix, cheese balls and pirate booty. water and lemonade (plus beer, because what 11 am kids party doesn't require cold brews?) were the drink choices and i was happy when my mom already had the sport drink dispenser to balance out the glass pitcher. at the dessert table, the main event was chocolate cake but it might have been out shined by the dirt cups. this was a must for me (and maaaybe why i picked the theme in the first place). i LOVE dirt "cake" so much and i haven't met very many people who disagree. we also had a selection of orange and yellow candies.

the kids had a great time playing and helped finn during present opening by bringing gifts to him. it was chaotic and hilarious and really sweet. we sang him happy birthday as we watched him blow out three candles and i didn't even cry! 

he still asks about his party and is ready for the next one. he's planned it for next week (every week, it's always next week). too bad birthdays only come once a year :)