The “Bird” Day Party

Ty’s Angry Birds “Bird”day Party was this weekend! Yea!!!

Ty and I have spent weeks planning this party - the decorations, the food, the cake, the activities…so many ideas! There were a few things that I just didn’t get around to doing, but when all was said and done, the party turned out great!

First the invitation.

Quite simple, really. I had some blank note cards left over from previous birthday parties. I just used some of my scrapbooking papers to construct an Angry Bird on the cover. For the wording inside, I typed the text in Word, printed it out, and glued it in the card. Easy peasy!

Here’s what I made to hang on the back door to greet our guests. It was such a fun, inexpensive project. Ty and I had a good time working on this one together. I started with a circle cut from the side of a cardboard box. Then I took some lime green tissue paper and cut it into 4” squares. Ty was in charge of scrunching the tissue paper, and I glued it into place. Not bad for a bunch of reused materials. I think this little piggy turned out so cute!

I also made these hats for the birthday boy. One for when he’s feeling birdlike and one for when he’s feeling piggish.

The main party table…

I don’t mind telling you that I’m a cheap thrifty party planner. I always try to use as much stuff that I already own as possible. Here’s what I used for the table and what I paid for it:

• Ty’s plush Angry Birds (part of his birthday present, so basically free)
• some faux wood blocks from Ty’s toy work bench (free)
• clay pots from the Dollar Tree (6 for $2)
• pinwheels from Hobby Lobby (6 for $3)
• scrap fabric from my stash (free)
• left over plastic eggs from Easter (free)
• shredded packing paper from the Dollar Tree ($1)
• scrapbook paper ($1)
• online clipart (free)
• tablecloth and placemats left over from previous parties (free.)

Grand total…$7

I also made these pig lanterns to hang above the table. I picked the lanterns up at Hobby Lobby for under $4 and used more scrapbook paper to add the eyes and noses. Unfortunately I forgot to make some ears for the poor dears, but I don’t think anyone noticed.

To keep the kids busy at the party I chose a couple of bird-related crafts for them to make. I set up a craft table on the back porch to keep the mess (and the noise) out of the house as much as possible. And even though it was 101 degrees out there, the kids didn’t seem to mind. An added bonus: the crafts doubled as party favors for the kids!

First they made bird feeders using pines cones, peanut butter, and birdseed. It’s an easy craft that even the littlest partier can do. Simply spread peanut butter on a pinecone and roll it in birdseed. Then hang it in a tree for your feathered friends to enjoy.

The other craft project was painting bird houses. You can pick up small wooden birdhouses at craft stores for only $1. I just set out some brushes and washable paint and let the kids get crafty.

I made these Birdie Bags using plain red paper bags and some scraps of paper. Each kid got a bag to carry their craft projects home in.

Now, the cake!!!

Or should I say cakes?

Yeah, I was just crazy enough to tackle two cakes. One for the birds and one for the pigs.

Birds…

Pigs…

For another sweet treat, I made “Birdseed Pops.” They’re just like Rice Krispie Treats, only I used Fruity Pebbles. When they were cooled, I cut them into squares and stuck a lollipop stick in them.

This little birdie really enjoyed her pop.

Our Menu…

I tried to make all of the food either bird or pig related. Here’s what I came up with:

• Hot Wings
• Deviled Ham sandwiches
• Pigs in a Blanket
• Bye-Bye Birdie Dip (a.k.a. Cheesy Chicken Dip – recipe to follow)
• Birdseed Pops

Here are a few pictures of the food table. I ran across the two tiny green pigs while cruising in Mexico and just had to have them for this party. They were perfect!

The “Bird” Day Boy…

Ty got some great gifts. Lots and lots of fishing paraphernalia, a Rio character, G.I. Joe toys, a new Webkinz animal, swimming goggles, some interactive books, and of course, a plethora of Angry Birds.

Here’s Ty in his new fishing hat and life jacket. Ain’t he cute?

Make a wish! It was all Luke could do to keep from helping Ty blow out the candles.

After the party, the cousins went for a ride in the paddle boat.

I really think Ty was just looking for an excuse to try out some of his new gear. Looks like Blue wanted to go for a boat ride too.

Well, that was fun, but next year I’m thinking Chuck E. Cheese.

Oh, y’all know I would never do that. This party business is a sickness, and I think it’s hereditary. Ty’s already planning his next party. His next two, in fact.

Besides, it’s time for me to start thinking about little Lulu’s 2nd birthday. It’ll before before we know it!

P.S. Here’s the recipe for the Chicken Dip. So easy and so good! I hope you’ll try it.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Dip

• 2, 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese
• 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 lg. cans chicken, drained
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 can cream of celery soup
• 1/2 soup can water
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes
• salt and pepper to taste
• chopped green onions

Combine all ingredients except green onions in crockpot. Heat for 45 min. Top with green onions. Serve hot with crackers or chips. Rich and delicious!

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