Monkey Business.... Luke's 5th Birthday

Lukie wanted a monkey birthday this year, not a sock monkey, a monkey monkey. His birthday is one week into the school year so he doesn't have much time to make new friends in his class every year before it's party time. Thank goodness we have plenty of neighbors, close friends and family to help us celebrate! One little girl from his class did drive over for the party. her name was Katie and they were best friends for weeks after.


Luke's 4th year....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Luke's 4th year he was at home at Lil' Broncs Learning Center with mom. He was a great helper with all the babies and toddlers that came to our daycare/preschool that year. In the fall when Mom went back to public school, Luke started at Kid Konnection preschool and kindergarten. His favorite things his 4th year were Captain America and the Avengers, his Beta fish "Captain American", baking soda and vinegar science projects, taking tons of baths, listening to music, playing games on his iPod, playing with friends and doing anything and everything OUTSIDE. He's a little bit of a klutz and very cuddly. He will tell you matter of fact but be very sensitive to your feelings at the same time. We can't wait to see how he does in his new preschool this year!


Birthday breakfast....

School Cupcakes...

School Student of the Week for his Bday....

The Party.....

Invites were handmade and hand written. 20 to his preschool, 4 neighbors, 4 to family friends, and 4 to relatives.  We ended up with 12 kids exactly ranging in age from 1-8 years old. 

When friends arrived, we had puzzle pieces sat out for them to decorate and sign. We have done this at many prior parties. It works well as a keepsake and a memory of who all attended. 

After everyone had their puzzle pieces colored, we lined up and began to "pin" (tape) them to the patio door and try to figure out what the puzzle was....

It was a MONKEY of course!! Once we had the puzzle together we were back to the first person in line again and it was time to "pin" some tails on it!!

After all that standing in line it was time for some movement!! We made a circle and played MONKEY IN THE MIDDLE! There a couple versions of this game. The one we played was NOT the keep-away version. We played the version where one person is in the middle of the circle, starting with the birthday boy, who gets to choose an action. The circle of monkeys then copies that action for around 10 seconds, then we switch monkeys in the middle until everyone has gone. It was fun and lasted a long time...

Next, once all the monkey business was done, we went back to our table spots to make our own monkeys!

We had some neat designs in the end! The kids also got a loot bag with a BARREL of MONKEYs keychain game & a monkey blower to play with while everyone finished up coloring...

Then Came the goodies!!! We had set up a BANANA SPLIT BAR....

These perfect little round ice cream containers came from a garage sale from an old manager of a Sonic store. I'm not sure why she had a box of them, but she gave them away for free. I have used them for crafts, supplies, party favors, goodies and just about anything. They are great. 

I have been pre dishing ice cream into cupcake liners and refreezing them for perfect serving sizes before parties. I'm sure it was a Pinterest find, and it works out perfect. These were getting a little soft by the time we ate.

We also had a monkey cake and more monkey cupcakes...

After all that food, we decided to work some off by pulling out one last activity, a Piñata!!! 

Everyone got a chance to take a picture with the BIG monkey....

Last we opened the presents!!!

Some crowd shots.....

The Budget:

I try to keep all birthdays under $150 includes decorations, food, favors, entertainment, and gifts. 


The Breakdown:


Food: 
cupcake & cake mix $2.50
Frosting x2  $2.50
ice cream     $2.50
Sprinkles found at Robb's $1
toppings, butterscotch chips, wafers, syrups $7
piñata fillers were from our last parade $0

Activities:
puzzle- posterboard $1
streamers for tails $1
monkey in the middle $0
piñata $10
colorable monkeys from Oriental Trade $14 
Barrel of Monkey Keychains from Oriental Trade $12.50


Decorations & Tableware:
Large & Small inflatable Monkeys $12 & $3
Banana centerpieces from Sam's Club $1.50 x2 = $3
Stuffed monkeys Luke insisted on from favor isle $6
Cups, plates, napkins, hats, blowers, bags, banner, centerpiece & hanging monkey curtains on window all from dollar tree $1each, some x2  = $20
Bought bulk from Sam's of forks & spoons, used $2 worth
Wreath on door we made for $4

Luke's Gifts totaled around $30

Total: Approximately $136

Under-budget & Successful!!!