Can we fix it? Yes, we can!
Can we build it? Yes, we can!
Theo is crazy about Bob the Builder. It isn’t even really the character, so much as all things construction. Whenever he sees any kind of construction vehicle, he says “Bob, the builder, BOB THE BUILDER!!”
So I knew that was the way to go for his birthday this summer. And, despite the stress of having to leave town and get back the night before the party, everything worked out perfectly.
Since I have so many gorgeous pictures (courtesy of my good friend, and amazing photographer, Christianne Ebel again), I’m going to split this up again like I did for Aurora’s monster party.
Get ready for a ton of photos.
So as you can see right away, the colors I used were brown, orange and yellow. Or more descriptively, chocolate, pumpkin, and mustard. Remember we started off with these invitations.
When people first arrived they had a little hint at what was to come. I made the barricades by painting over some wooden sawhorses we had.
I used lots of fabrics (big surprise...) for decorations. The Be an Man collection and some Tot Town from Michael Miller (as well as a few other construction-related ones I had) added to theme.
The food table had a giant runner-style cloth that was super easy to make and had quite an impact.
Some other details to the food display included: nuts and bolts, a dump truck full of pretzels, color coordinated m&ms, and my cute little "dig in" signs.
And lets not forget the sweets. The cupcakes had little toppers with graphics I designed.
And then the oh-so-frustrating-to-make-at-the-last-minute-but-undeniably-delicious tool cookies.
The kids' tables were set outside on the deck.
Again I used graphics I designed to decorate the cups and the napkins/silverware. I put a nut and bolt in each bowl to prevent any wind issues (turned out there were none).
Each child had their own personalized hard hat.
There was a sand table for lots of digging fun.
The deck was decorated with big balloons and traffic cones.
And I made (with lots of help from my mom) a fabric caution tape garland because I couldn't bear the thought of a plastic one.
You'll read more about it in the next post, but we had a visitor.
And there was coloring.
We put out all the tools and trucks etc. we could come up with.
Each child when home with a bucket full of goodies.
It included A construction site sticker book, matchbox vehicle, and a small wooden construction puzzle (which Theo is currently obsessed with).
And a thank you dump truck cookie.
Stop by in a day or two and see just exactly how the day played out.
Oh, my goodness! How utterly spectacular! Your house is just gorgeous, and you really pulled out all the stops for this party. It's so fantastic, what a lucky little boy. Happy birthday!
Posted by: greetingarts | November 10, 2009 at 01:04 AM
That was quite the party! SUPER cute decorations! The cookies...wow. I never would have had the patience for those.
Posted by: CJ | November 10, 2009 at 01:09 AM
dude, that is CRAZY!
Posted by: melissa@yummygoods | November 10, 2009 at 01:17 AM
Your attention to detail is incredible! You've never worked as a designer for Martha Stewart or something have you? That party looks straight out of a magazine feature! Your kids are soooo lucky!
Posted by: Erin Compton | November 10, 2009 at 02:00 AM
oh my goodness - best birthday party ever! Totally gorgeous - I just sent your blog link to my friend, she would love this for her little boy. I can't wait to see part 2 :)
Posted by: One Crafty Mumma | November 10, 2009 at 03:56 AM
I've said it before, but the kids are so lucky to have you as a mom! What amazing memories your are making for them!
Posted by: Alexis | November 10, 2009 at 01:53 PM
Okay, so now you are doing my children's birthday parties AND their Halloween costumes.
Posted by: j. caroline | November 10, 2009 at 02:52 PM
Oh. My. Goodness.
I'm speechless! It looks like a party from a magazine!
Posted by: Jessica | November 11, 2009 at 12:43 AM
This is AMAZING. You hit that perfect blend of crafty/cute while still being very much all boy. Luckiest kids ever.
Posted by: Kelly | November 11, 2009 at 01:22 PM
HOLY holy holy... You know how to throw a party and do it right!!! lol
This is seriously, AMAZING! :D
Posted by: Kristine | November 13, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Awesome party! Love all the little details!
Posted by: Tanya | November 13, 2009 at 02:54 PM
WOW! This is absolutely beautiful! So amazing and creative and executed phenomenally. Your idea to have a backhoe there is genius.
Posted by: Wendy | November 15, 2009 at 11:00 AM
I want you to have a party for me. LOL
Posted by: Rachael | November 16, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Awesome details!!
Posted by: Kim-Erin | November 18, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Can I tell you how awesome your party is? I would love to share with my readers, if that is ok?
Posted by: Dawn | December 03, 2009 at 11:41 PM
You're an inspiration!! that has to be one of the coolest birthday parties i've Ever seen!!
Posted by: Andrea | December 05, 2009 at 12:27 PM
holy crap, that is AMAZING!!! Your photography is also really gotten tight! I've missed your blog! (head in sand)
Posted by: Paper Dolls for Boys | December 27, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Hello Jessica! I have no words to describe how I feel stumbling upon your awesome blog!:) I was googling free construction truck templates (to make into a mini-coloring book) because I decided to have that theme for my son's 3rd birthday party in school only last Thursday and the party is this Wednesday ( Jan 13)! In fact, I had this idea of inviting a construction worker to bring a backhoe truck to school, and my husband thought I was crazy. I pulled him to the screen just now to show him your photo of "Bob"! And he says, "Hon, that's in America!" :)
Posted by: mug mommy | January 10, 2010 at 10:13 AM
This is too cute for words!!! I love that you didn't go all "Bob the Builder" with it and just used "construction" instead.
Have you entered it into the Most Adorable Kid's Party contest at Creative Hostess?
http://creativehostess.co.uk/2010/01/25/most-adorable-kids-party-of-2009-contest/
Posted by: Chris @ Celebrations At Home | January 28, 2010 at 05:51 PM
I found your party on the creative hostess comments for the contest and I think you should SO win! This party is adorable and each detail and wording is absolutely perfect! Truly one of the cutest parties I have ever seen. You did such an amazing job.
Posted by: Allison | February 03, 2010 at 02:47 PM
Hi Allison.
Thanx so much. I havent had a lot of time to go through the other contestants, but there are always so many cute parties out there, so Im sure my competition is tough.
Check back on my site soon for pictures of my daughters peaches and cream party. (It was only in September so it hasnt taken me THAT long to post about it. :) )
jess
Posted by: Jessica Levitt | February 03, 2010 at 06:21 PM
Congratulations on your win for the Creative Hostess 2009 Party of the year! I LOVE the many details of your totally awesome Construction-themed party. It is absolutely adorable. Seriously.
I'm inspired.
Posted by: jess from florida (willowgrove) | February 04, 2010 at 05:22 AM
omg totally amazing so can't wait for my little man's birthday I'm so inspiried...Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Sarah | February 04, 2010 at 03:34 PM
This is just so awesome! Love, love, love it! So 'boy'!
Posted by: Jordan-PolkadotPrints | February 04, 2010 at 10:37 PM
Super cute party!! Great detail!
Kim
http://frostmeblog.blogspot.com
Posted by: Kim | February 06, 2010 at 08:54 PM