Two things. First, my babies are getting way too old. Griffin is four. What?! Second, this is one of four birthdays I haven’t blogged about. I’m over a year behind now. Sheesh. I’m pretty sure I’m over a year behind at life in general. I don’t know what I am going to do to slow down time so that my babies don’t grow up so fast but in the meantime I will soak up every crazy minute with them that I can. And maybe someday I’ll get around to posting the other three birthdays I missed. Someday.
Ok, back to the birthday party. Griffin wanted a shark party this year. My older boys are really into Wild Kratts and are all about animals right now. So, Griffin knows all sorts of shark facts…thus the shark party was born.
When I was looking for invitations for Jake’s party this summer, I came across Kerri of Big K little k Designs. You have to check out her shop! So many cute invitations. I just noticed that she has Christmas card designs too! Big K little k Designs is definitely going to be a new go-to when I need cute invitations. She designed the most adorable shark invitation for Griff’s birthday. I love how it turned out.
Joel made the lemonade stand for Jake’s birthday. He does not love doing this kind of thing (but he must love me!) and he really impressed me with his carpentry skills. It is awesome! And it was easily converted from lemonade stand to ocean-side stand for the shark party.
I painted the waves on paper and then stapled it onto the stand. The shark signs are designed by Kerri.
Kerri also designed these adorable tags for the favors. I used a paint pen to draw the waves on the bags. We filled the bags with a candy shark tooth necklace, shark stickers, shark gummies and shark facts. The boys and I had so much fun putting these together!
I made felt shark fins for all the kids to pin on their backs when they arrived.
Honestly the shark fins weren’t a huge hit. A few kids wanted to wear them and looked super cute though. The shark fins also didn’t stand up very well. I would probably make them differently if I did it again.
My sister-in-law makes the best sugar cookies. They are so cute and taste even better. I always wish I could eat about ten, but I never can get to them fast enough before they are gone.
And here he is in all his four-year-old cuteness. I really can’t believe he is already four.
Griffin loves his older cousins. And they are so sweet to him. I’m pretty sure getting to sit by Harrison was the best part of Griffin’s birthday.
I know it wasn’t Jake’s birthday but I mean, look at that smile?! I think he was enjoying all the sugar everyone was feeding him while mom was busy.
We have had quite the year with this guy of ours. I remember so clearly that day in January when I looked back while driving down the highway to find him having a seizure. Who knew that three would bring seizures, an ambulance ride, hospital stays, tests and more tests, and lots of medication for Griffin. We’ve had some really scary and really trying days. Celebrating Griffin’s life on this day with a shark party and seeing his excitement felt like such an extra special gift. I couldn’t help but squeeze him tight and thank God for FOUR! Happy birthday Griffin! You are loved so, so much.
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Sources:
inviation, signs, favor tag – Big K little k Designs
gummi sharks (large)…these looked cute but tasted gross! – Amazon
gummi sharks (small) – Amazon
shark cookie cutter – Amazon
favor bags – Amazon
shark stickers – Oriental Trading
shark tooth candy necklaces – Oriental Trading
shark facts (free printable) – All for the Boys
shark fin (free pattern/directions) – It’s the Life
shark cupcake toppers – Amazon
blue swirl cupcake wrappers – Amazon
shark tattoos – Amazon
Find all my shark party inspiration on my Pinterest board
laura - What a cute birthday party! And what an adorable FOUR year old!! Looks like a fun day to celebrate Griff! Love to you all!!
Carrie - So cute! I always love to see what you came up with for their birthdays!
Mary Ann - What a fun party. My grandson is 5 and is really fascinated with sharks. I can’t believe he’s 4. I’m glad he’s doing well but yes, your boys are growing up way to fast. They are all so precious and so darling. I’ll await with anticipation for your posts about other birthdays. You are so clever with the decorations and food.
Jennifer Minor - Whew! What a year! Praising God with you for 4!! Very cute party. And I just have to say it…..that picture of Jake…he looks just like Cora!!