Caeden's 5th Birthday Party | DIY Sundae Bar

This little man had his 5th birthday party Saturday. Also the day of his first soccer game (after a month of cancellations due to weather/traveling out of town).

His wish list for his 5th Birthday Party:

DIY Sundae Bar (instead of cake).

Painting "Houses" made of boxes.

Friends to help him Celebrate.

NO SINGING Happy Birthday (He's not a fan).

A Cowboy Gun.

We set the Sundae Bar up in the dining room and used a chalkboard to advertise.

When the kids started to arrive we broke out the hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, etc.

There was a line of 11 excited children and 10 adults for all the  sundae goodness. 

The only mistake was not letting all the ice cream flavors un-thaw because Wayne and my Mom had granite to scoop 

as hungry eyes stared them down.

They still rocked it, though!

Out of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and 'blue' cotton candy ... Cotton Candy was the favorite flavor of the day. Sprinkles and gummy bears (with hot fudge and whipped cream) were the favorite toppings.

I wish I had pictures of all the kids going to town. They were all fantastic friends to each other. Waited for their turn patiently, stayed in line, and helped each other scoop.

Used jelly jars for the toppings. Made the labels with stamps and craft sticks.

Mom appeared with this gorgeous, gigantic bouquet of balloons -- a child's equivalent to flowers. Caeden (and Claire) had eyes as big as plates. So, so happy.

And Mom brought these, too ...

 

Two dozen cupcakes (from Nomilie) that the adults devoured. 

You know who you are, people!

As the kids arrived, they had their own pack of fabric markers 

and a plain, white t-shirt waiting for them.

The budding artists created their masterpieces while getting to know each other ... again, no photos of the action

(have you ever tried to manage eleven 5 & 6 year olds?!)

but they turned out so dang cute.

Here's Lindsay & Mom. Could not have pulled this off without them! Mom worked for two days straight, helping me create; plan; run errands; navigate the party.

Lindsay was my go-to girl to keep Claire busy while I ran around like a lunatic 

(disguised as a Hostess).

A picture of Caeden and I ...

(Pre-makeup but whatever. I was so happy to get a picture of us together. It doesn't happen enough!)

And a sneak peek of the birthday boy. 

Coming up tomorrow:

The Guests, Painting Birthday-ville, and lots of fun details about Caeden's special day.

Love you Caeden Koop!