127: construction party part 2: the events

Today is the basic events of the big day.  If you missed the first post with all the design details, find it here.

It was a simple theme that lent itself to some obvious, but entertaining activities, and one awesome treat.

Of course the day started with set-up.  Most of the prep was done well ahead of time, but we weren’t sure of the weather, so didn’t know if we could manage outdoors or not.

 

We lucked out.  The rain held off for long enough, and it wasn’t excruciatingly hot as it had been the week before.

There were various activities for the kids to enjoy all day.  No real planned games or anything since he was only turning 2.

There were construction pictures to color.

 

A sand table with lots of trucks etc.

 

We brought the “roller coaster” outside and that was a big hit.

 

Then we got the main event.  A visit from “Bob” himself!  What a treat.  We were able to hire a local landscaper (friend of a friend)  to come with his backhoe loader for a few hours.

 

He was even down with giving the kids rides up and down the driveway and letting them drive.

 

Can you tell Theo was just a little bit excited?

 

It was his equivalent of heaven.  I was totally a rockstar mom that day.

 Seriously after the party, as I put him down for his nap and asked him what he did at the party.  He gets this ridiculous grin on his face and closes his eyes and sighs, “I drove bob the builder”.  2 year-old’s life = complete.

Everybody got a turn to ride if they wanted.  

And, of course, some photo ops with the family.

 

Then we had lunch.  On the menu was: bagel pizzas, veggies and dip, pretzels and chips and fruit salad.

 

There were construction cupcakes.

    

Everyone found them yummy.

 

And even tool-shaped cookies (yes I made them, with much cursing involved late at night) that Theo enjoyed playing with while eating.

 

Then everyone pretty much just hung around for a while and we called it an afternoon.

What a fabulous day and a lucky boy!

JT

Comments

[Heaven]

It all looks so fabulous! I have a couple questions: do you own all those small chairs, or did you rent them (at the kids' tables)? And, where can one buy the huge balloons you had on the deck?

[Sarah]

you are a rockstar mom!!

[Blakely]

Wow! That looks like one fun birthday party.

[sandy]

fantastic!

i wish all the children of the world have a great mom like you

[Heiress Apparent]

You rock! Makes my daughters very recent 2nd birthday party look rather jaded and a bit rubbish!! I really don't know where you find the time Jess! Still want that monster outfit btw!! Nic

[Kelly]

Now this is the party of the year! Wow! ~Kelly

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[Pumpkinbear]

The idea of a REAL backhoe is BRILLIANT!!! And letting the kids drive? That is way cool.

Such a nice example, too, of how a handmade/DIY party is so much more meaningful, and so much BETTER, than a storebought one. You can't rent a real backhoe in one of those big-box party stores, and no party business in the whole phonebook would have a clause on their insurance policy permitting children to ride on real farm equipment. You did amazing.

[n.d.]

this is awesome!! :) Gives me great ideas. Love the tractor.

[Fancy Dress Costumes]

Great stuff, have a look at our BLOG I'm sure you'll find it interesting too A day in the life of a fancy dress shop

[rental equipment]

Wow, construction party, that's a very nice idea!

James

[Kids Parties NJ]

It is a nice blog. Yes you have written good things here regarding party ideas. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

[telescopic handlers]

I can see the kids are enjoying the party!

Keith

[wedding planner]

i was in desperate need of some great ideas for the birthday party i am planning for a family here in san diego, and your blog really helped me ! Thanks a million.

[Tara]

You're unbelievable!! I was searching for "construction" party ideas & ended up on your blog. I must say your work is AWESOME!! Thanks for all the great ideas! I'll be visiting your blog again. THX!!

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Envy is part of human nature-- nothing good or bad about the envy.

[Tara W]

Looks like an absolutely wonderful party--you've definitely got it together! I'm planning a construction party for my twin sons and can only wish it would be this great:) New to the blog and looking forward to reading more.

In the meantime, I was wondering if you would be willing to share the coloring page(s) you provided to the kids at the party? Love the look of them and can't find anything I like as much anywhere else. Also love how you set up the sand table--super smart container idea! Thanks for posting the details and for all of the great ideas.

[Andrea]

I was looking to throw a construction theme birthday party for my two year old and ran into your blog. Absolutely amazing!

[andrea]

I too was looking for inspiration for my son's 3rd birthday party and ran into your blog, now I have saved it in my favorites. Beautiful job! You should write a book about how to throw great children parties! Or just be a planner... I was wondering how you made the name tags for the kids' hard hats... they look great! Thanks! and good luck with many parties to come!

[Joyce England]

can you build a party? Yes you can.

[Shannon]

I Love this party and am so glad I found it since I am going to be doing a construction party for my son's 1st Birthday party in 2 months. Is there any chance you can share your graphics? I would be so grateful if you could email them to me :)
Great Job Mom!!!