The Story of Harbor's 6th Lego Birthday Party

We celebrated Harbor William's 6th party this weekend! The boy loves him some Lego's, so the choice was obvious. Anyone who has searched high and low for Lego party paraphernalia knows that there is none. Despite the movie success, you can't go out and buy any themed items.. yet! So, it was mom {me!} to the rescue with some hand made items that really set the tone and made it fun!

We hosted the party at our neighborhood clubhouse- so easy!

They also had ceiling tiles which made hanging those huge Lego's I made really simple.

I made Harbor's Lego shirt and have a tutorial posted here if you are interested.

The back drop is a Lego flat sheet that came with a bedding package from Target,

or as we like to say, Tar-jay!

: )

The bonus is that now that flat sheet is on his bed.

I made the Lego banner from card stock and tracing a million 50 little circles and cutting them out.

On both the huge hanging Lego's and these on the banner, I used pop dots to make them stand off from the card stock and add height so that they wouldn't look flat.

For the head, I spray painted an empty pretzel container bought from Sam's Club.

I hand cut the eyes, mouth, and eye brows with black card stock and hot glued them onto the container.

The body is a wrapped diaper box. I used the same black card stock to make the bow tie and buttons.

I made the cookies above by using an easy Royal Icing recipe, piping an outline in yellow, mixing a flood icing and flooding them, letting them dry overnight, and then piping the faces.

This was my first try at Royal Icing and it wasn't as scary as I thought, though it is much more time consuming than I knew. Since my skill level is basic, I decided to make each have a different expression instead of trying to make a perfect face x 36 each time. I made two number six cookies to add some fun.

  I have to say the cookies were a huge hit!

I wrapped four faux gift boxes to use on the table for height.

The two huge ones {red and blue} held the gifts bags and some of the fruit we served.

The two yellow ones were used to hold more fruit. 

Since Harbor isn't a cake or cupcake fan, 

{What is wrong with my son?!  Just kidding!}

we opted to serve fruit and cookies, which are two things he does love.

: )

For his special cookie, I found these Lego candles {cute alert!!} and piped them onto the cookie with icing.

I wrote his name on the side and a number six on the top.

We sang and lit them and it worked perfectly.

For the kids, I set up four stations:

-a craft table for Lego painting

- a craft table for Lego paper dolls {a boy version!}

- a station to play with Lego bricks {we used the mega blocks so they wouldn't get lost or swallowed!}

- and we had a movie watching station where the Lego movie played on repeat

{Everything is Awesome!}

: )

For each craft station, 

I made instruction cards so kids and parents could work without me telling them instructions.

I chose red single dot Lego's for the red paint, blue two-dot Lego's for the blue paint, etc.

I also had baby wipes for hands and made sure the paint was washable!

For the paper Lego dolls, I printed an outline of a Lego mini figure and made shirt and pant patterns.

I provided buttons and scrap book paper for the kids to dress and decorate their Lego man {or woman!}

I made two sample Lego mini figures and had those out with the instruction cards.

I had a good friend take the pictures, which freed me up to enjoy myself!

This was Harbor's first real party since turning two years old.

We've always been on the go moving {three states in four years!} and haven't been settled anywhere long enough to have a real party. So, if you think you see me in the crowd in these pictures, you are right- it is me! No camera around my neck this time!

: )

The kids watched the movie and built in the floor area between the craft tables and the main table.

I love this picture of Harbor and his "friend" from school.

Can you believe we had about 30 people at the party and we only knew about nine of them!

Nine!

Harbor was allowed to invite his entire class at school, so I let him.

So fun to see and meet his friends- and their parents for the first time!

Lego stamping craft-

they were instructed to "build" their own Lego building and name it.

Paper doll craft

My sweet Hollin!

She was a great baby during the party. 

I had to leave the party once to nurse, but other than that, she was golden the entire time.  

Me behind Harbor as he designs his Lego mini figure.

I was having fun- maybe as much as the kids.

David and I, feeling very relaxed, and thankful to just enjoy the kids!

Harbor's creation- he opted for no clothing via paper and wanted to just draw on his.

: )

Henry was all about the paint!

He was covered- which was funny and not funny- at the same time.

Ha!

My big six year old!

Sniff, sniff!

{SO glad I have more babies to have more birthdays with! Kids growing up physically hurts my heart.}

Lighting candles and singing!

Opening gifts

Y'all, I think we practiced for two full weeks what to say when you open gifts from friends.

Not that Harbor isn't a gracious or thankful child, because he is as soft and sweet as they make them, but I was really pleased when he stopped, made eye contact, and said thank you to each friend.

#winning

: )

This picture of me was too funny not to incorporate.

I hide my feelings on my sleeve, I tell ya!

My face is so dead pan that no one ever knows my feelings.

: )

And we got a fun group picture.

These kids mean so much to Harbor, and therefore, so very much to me.

Don't you love your child's best friends?!

Especially the ones that point them back to Jesus.

I'm just so grateful for them all.

The Lego mini figures and building drying

Gaa! He sure is cute!

Looks like his daddy!

: )

Our dear friends, Melissa and Daniel.

Melissa was our photographer, so I snapped a few of her.

They, and their son, Hunter, are coming to our house for Thanksgiving.

And Melissa and I

Where was Henry during this all this par-tay time?!

Cheesing it up, y'all!

That's where.

And then he saw the camera and got busy on his work!

: )

It was a great party! Everything was Awesome! : )

Parmesan Tossed Tilapia

One of our favorite ways to eat fish is to toss it with an easy mixture of cheese, spices, and lemon. I recently baked tilapia, but you could use this method on any fish- or even chicken!
You will need: Parmesan cheese {grated in a bag- not the sprinkle pizza kind!} lemon juice olive oil garlic powder Italian seasonings  bread crumbs {or Ritz Crackers!} and 4-5 thawed tilapia fillets

Toss in 1/4 cup of bread crumbs in a bowl.

If you don't want to use breadcrumbs, we also like crushed Ritz crackers in the same measurement.

Have your sous chef {grin!} toss in 1 tsp. of garlic powder

Also add 1/4 cup of the cheese and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.

Mix with a spoon until completely stirred through.

Measure 1 tbs. of lemon juice and pour into a deep plate.

Turn your oven on to 425 degrees and spray a foil lined pan with nonstick liberally. 

Set up an assembly line:

fish to lemon plate to Parmesan cheese mixture

{I have no idea what pose Harbor is striking here?! Ha!}

Coat both sides of the raw fish in the lemon juice

and then toss in the seasoning mixture.

I just use clean hands to coat the fish with the seasonings and cheese.

Place on your baking sheet.

If I have any left over seasoning, I pile it up on the fish!

Use your oil to drizzle a thin line down the center of each piece of fish.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes or until white and flaky when cut with a fork.

Enlist help if you encounter hungry children.

Especially hungry fussing children.

Not that I know anything at all about that subject.

After 20 minutes, check your fish with a fork.

You should have a nice thick, zesty crust and a tender inside.

Ahhh.

So good, y'all. 

Plate it up!

If you're like me and have multiple plates to prepare,

 plate the fish first and give it time to rest while you get your sides out.

I like to serve ours with steamed veggies or a salad.

This is one of the meals I can always count on my bigger boys to eat- and eat well.

We never have leftovers.

The zest of the lemon and garlic with the Parmesan cheese crust are like a party.

A perfectly planned party with all the right guests.

: ) 

And the best part of cleaning your plate in November?

Eating your October Halloween stash of candy for dessert!
{I've added this recipe to my recipe tab up top!}

October Musings

October was a month full of snuggling with the new baby. Snuggling before school

and before church on Wednesday nights.

And when they both look my way, I am amazed at how similar their eyes are.

Henry also has the same eyes. 

My eyes are a deep blue and David's are hazel, but these kiddos have their own eyes.

We've transitioned Henry out of his high chair with a tray to a chair that uses the tabletop.

We've also introduced the pocket bib, which has been a lifesaver at this age.

Harbor has taken to also wearing a bib to encourage Henry.

Ha!

It is quite comical, but we are so glad Henry has a cheering section across the table!

The older Henry gets, the more he and Harbor enjoy playing.

They certainly have their fair share of squabbles, but for the most part,

they really play well together.

I'm so thankful they have one another!

I rarely post or discuss the daily chores that fill most of my day.

Mainly because they aren't near as cute {or fun!} as my kids,

but for my memory's sake, I'm still meal planning two weeks ahead.

It takes a considerable amount of time {especially the grocery shopping part!}

but, I can always see a huge difference in our budget when I do my part to plan for my family. 

Hollin is becoming more and more alert.

She is still nursing every three hours or so and her personality is really starting to shine!

I am so thankful for this daughter, this girl!

Who knew after two boys, my heart could still be stolen!

: )

Since Harbor is half day for Kindergarten at a local classical academy, 

we have long leisurely mornings around here.

The boys like to color together and now that Henry is starting a few simple lessons with me,

I'm thankful that Harbor is there to sit with us.

Henry likes to be where Harbor is!

I recently had a friend from church, Pamela, and her kiddos over for some Fall crafts.

We had a good time with the kids.

And though I say every stage of babyhood is my favorite, I really, really like the two month mark.

The smiles and first coos are such a motivating force here!

One little smile from Hollin and we all clap and cheer!

: )

We had our Christmas card photo shoot two weekends ago.

I was very appreciative of my friend, Melissa, whose husband works with David, as she offered to take our pictures. I took a few for her also and was more than happy to return the favor.

Nothing beats a real person behind the camera!

{No tripod! Yay!}

And a sneak peek of a favorite of Daddy and Hollin we got during our session .

David spent many evenings with the kids this October sewing up costumes.

And Henry and I, while Harbor is at school, spent many afternoons having one-on-one time.

He is SUCH a ham, y'all.

Harbor is quiet and introverted and serious.

Henry is hammy and loud and relaxed.

I love them both, but they are so different.

What perfect kids the Lord has blessed us with!

If I posted all the thumb sucking pictures I have of Miss, you'd shake your head and sigh right along with me.

The boys never- and I mean- never, ever sucked their thumbs. 

Not in the hospital, not at night, not if they lost their pacis.

Hollin, on the other hand, is a bona fide thumb sucker.

I'm taking her thumb out whenever I see it, but she is a hoot!

{poor girl!}

Love these kids!

My heart is so full!

I am in awe that I am their mommy.

Me! 

How lucky I am!

And lastly, Harbor decorated pumpkin cookies this October.

Well, actually, he squeezed icing all over them and ate them,

but, at our house, we call that decorating!

Ha!

In other news, things are busier than ever as David was named Plant Supervisor over several departments.
He is working a tad bit longer hours {5:45 am in the office and home by 5:30 pm} and now has a company phone and company laptop glued to his hip for all the calls and emails and personnel he has to keep up with. He had these things before as an engineer, but we can definitely see the shift in change.
Those reasons make me feel more determined than ever to continue cooking good meals and menu planning. This family of mine deserves the quiet time and a good dinner more than ever.
And let's face it... we all need it at the end of a long, busy day!
How are you? Anything new? : )