Carnival Birthday Party

I was flipping through pictures on the computer this morning and came across the ones from my sweet Eli's birthday party. He turned 2 on September 29, and I realized that I hadn't posted any pictures of the event here on the blog. I know. I know. I am WAY late on posting these, but they are just too cute to not at least share them with you now. My sister was a huge help in turning carnival party plans scribbled on index cards (We do our best thinking on paper.  At least, I do.) into a reality. She even did the face painting on the day of the party, as well as, convince her husband to be our carnival ringmaster. I couldn't have done this party without her!  Before you look at the pictures though, I have to confess a few things...

* The Duck Pond Game was a mess. And not the good kind of mess where the kids get a little wet.  The sweet little ducks just wouldn't float and the inflatable "pond" was deflating right before my eyes. Oh well!  It can't all be perfect--says the perfectionist.

* Our idea for displaying the cotton candy was also a bit of a failure. The humidity began to cause the soft confection to harden. Being a momma has taught me to always have plan B. We had to break out the unopened tubs instead of using the cute little paper cones of cotton candy that I had worked so hard to put together. For any of you plan your own carnival party, please note that cotton candy and a humid day in the South are not a good combination.

* This party took so much planning and work that I don't even want to think about planning another party. I'm partied out--at least for now. I guess we will see how long that lasts.

With all of that being said, it was all worth it to give sweet Eli a fun-filled day. Sinking ducks or not...my little guy loved it! It really was a cute party despite the minor flaws mentioned above. Again, I couldn't have done it without my sister. Eli had a blast! There was cake, candy, fun, food, tickets, prizes, a balloon dart game along with several other games. Who wouldn't have fun with all of that?! (Maybe I should have started with all of the good points.) Let's just get on with the party!

This is a great theme for a birthday party, neighborhood block party, or even a school fundraiser!

What do you think? Would this theme work for your child's next birthday? Have you ever thrown a carnival party?

Happy partying!