Henry's Circus Party - Under the Big Top

Henry's birthday party was on Saturday, July 19. We settled on a circus theme thinking that having circus themed food and games would be ideal for an outdoor, summer party. Once we picked the theme it was so much fun to plan all of the details.

The Food

I decided to do a mid-afternoon party and serve appetizers and desserts-my favorite things to make.

Holly painted this sign. It turned out adorable.

Poppin' out of a Cannon Popcorn

We rented a popcorn machine and set it up in the dining room. The smell was delicious. Patrick was worried that it would linger and our house would smell like popcorn forever, but it didn't!Holly and Rachel served up the popcorn. They are such great friends and were so much help. Holly was the creative mind behind most of these circus inspired food names. We cracked up thinking them up!Presto Change-O Disappearing Soft Pretzels

These soft pretzel-minis were a home baked fiasco. The day before the party, we made several batches and rolled them by hand and even resisted the urge to indulge in too many pre-party tastes. Even though we'd stored them securely in Tupperware, they were hard and chewy when they were served the day of the party. I cringe just thinking of the guests chewing and chewing and chewing on them. It was such a disappointment! Ring of Fire Hot DogsTight Rope Walking White Chocolate and Regular Chocolate Pretzel Treats
Earth Shaking Elephant Ears
Clowning Around Chocolate Cupcake Bites

Also on the menu:

Daredevil Deli Swirls (Tomato Provolone, Club Sandwich and Turkey Bacon Ranch)
Jugglin' Up Fruit in a Cup (an assortment of blueberries, strawberries, pineapple, red and green grapes)
Show Stopping Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches (Mint Chip, Strawberry and Fudge Ripple)

Big Top Cheesecake Bites (Plain, Turtle and White Chocolate Raspberry)
The Best Show On Earth Beverages (IBC Rootbeer, Orange Crush, Strawberry Crush, Pepsi, Pink Lemonade, Bottled Water, Assorted Juice Boxes)

Henry blowing out his candles on his cupcake mini's cake. Henry enjoying one of his cupcake birthday bitesThe Favors

This popcorn bag was the favor for the children who were almost two or above. In it was a giant swirly lollipop, a box of animal crackers, a punching balloon, a party blower and a polka-dot pinwheel. It was closed with either an elephant or a lion magnet-clip with the child's name painted on.The babies favor was two circus themed books tied together with ribbon and a magnet-clip with the child's name. The favor tableThe favor for the other guests was two dipped chocolate pretzel twists - one dipped in white chocolate, and one dipped in regular chocolate.
The FunThe prize table. The children picked a prize after playing the games outside.

Holly also made this adorable sign!Gabe (with Sara) playing Match the DucksHenry (and Grandma Sandi) playing the Bobber TossMy Dad, Gabe, Preston, Aunt Anne, and Rick (Preston's dad)

Preston loved the Duck Game and was dying to get in the water.Preston in the pool

He couldn't resist! And it was a hot, humid summer day - who could blame him?Elle and Nicole playing Shoot the AppleHenry - the fearless lion tamer
Grandma Sandi painted this photo board!A guessing game

Guests guessed how many pieces of candy were in this jar. My Aunt Anne guessed the closest and took home the candy.
The Family and Friends

My Grandma and Grandpa

I feel blessed that they were able to make the trip to our house and spend the day with us. It's a huge blessing to have them as part of our lives and we are honored that they were able to celebrate with us. I will cherish the memories from this day with them.Mimi, me and Patrick's mom, Mary

It's also a blessing and honor that Mimi was able to share the day with us. We loved spending the afternoon with our grandparents and feel blessed that they are a part of our boys' lives.

Cousins Gabe and Henry

Isn't this what summer is all about?
Charlie and Henry Erica and BenDan, Henry, Gabe and my dad- Papa Bug
Patrick, Emily, Ava, Nicole, Josh and Elle
Me and LisaRachel, me and Holly
Cousins William and Caleb
Me, my mom and Rachel
Me and Holly Caleb, Sara and my mom

Credit where credit is due

First of all, there would have been no party without Holly. She designed and handmade all of the invitations for the party. She is the creativity behind any idea or thought that I might have. She added her creative spin and flair to every aspect of this party! She is also a hard worker and we joked that she was my "party slave" - she literally helped me with party stuff Wednesday thru Saturday. She also took all of the party pictures. So without Holly there would have been no pictures to post! Holly, you are a great friend. Thank you for your help and for keeping me company (and helping me keep my sanity) all week. You (and Dunkins Iced Coffee) kept me running!

Next, my mom. She helped out so much with the boys, ran errands, slaved on pretzels, counted out candy for the guessing game, set up, cleaned up and did a million things in between. Thank you, Mom!

Thank you also to Erica for finding the adorable Hot Dog holders; they definitely made them more official for the circus! And to Rachel for helping run errands and set the party up. Rachel helped Patrick carry a huge, solid wood picnic table from our neighbors house to our yard and got a big scratch on her arm from it. Thank you Rachel for all of your help and for sacrificing your arm for some extra party seating.

And a huge thank you to Sandi for inspiring and lending ideas and supplies for the circus games. Sandi loaned me lots of game supplies and painted that adorable photo board. Thank you, Sandi!