Birthday boys

February is a busy little month for our little family. Not only is it when school goes back and we are attempting to establish some routine being a first time - full time school family but both our boys have their birthdays! Lachlan turns three on the 19th and Baden turns five on the 24th! Crazy huh? Funnily enough I know lots of families that have several of their children born really close together. Says something about fertility cycles doesn't it?

For a variety of reasons we've never had a proper 'birthday party' for either of our children. We've certainly celebrated but have opted for dinner celebrations or having cake with family and close friends but decided with Baden turning five, we'd have a party for him with his school friends. On years when they don't have a party we will celebrate as we've done in years past and have cupcakes at school.

So plans are well and truly under way for the birthdays and party. Being so close to Christmas it is quite hard as they've obviously received new toys and gifts, so I certainly do have to think ahead when advising 'Santa' what to buy knowing their birthdays are less than 2 months away! As always I gather bits and pieces when I get the chance to get to surburbia, and do rely on online shopping quite heavily too. I have quite a good stash gathering for them, just waiting on a parcel or two to arrive and the relishing a city visit soon to grab the last minute bits and pieces.We try to give them practical gifts as well as toys. This year they both are getting toiletry bags, thongs, and winter pjs (not shown). Here's some of gifts gathered so far for both of the boys:

In terms of party planning, I found a freebie printable which has made it easy for keeping all the ideas and plans together. The colour theme is red, white and blue and I've spent the last few weeks gathering together lots of bits and pieces such as cupcake wrappers; paper lanterns; paper straws etc.

Here's the invitation for Baden's party (obviously with personal details removed):

On the menu for the afternoon will be a variety of things from fruit kebabs to mini hotdogs to an icecream sundae bar. I look forward to sharing more details and photos in the weeks ahead of the party preparations. 

In the mean time, this Mumma is in her element party planning! Oh how I wish there was the demand for a party /event planner and decorator in my area, LOL