The 'art' of throwing a party!

Now that Aidan's fifth birthday celebrations are over, (and all the highlights thereof are posted on the blog!) I can breathe a little, and relax in the knowledge that I don't have to do THAT again until next year!

It was indeed quite the undertaking, and though it sounds like it, I'm really not complaining. I'm just enjoying the lack of birthday frenzy in my life these past few days!  Every day I give thanks and know that I am blessed to have such an amazing little boy for a grandson, and I would whip up another party for him in a heartbeat.  After all, it's all about creating little memories for them to hold onto, isn't it?

I wish I could say I was so creative that I conjoured up all of the ideas for the decorations, food and games all by myself.  Alas I did not, and I want to give a shout out to all the wonderful blogs and websites I found in my travels through cyberspace in my search for 'anything garbage truck.' 

For the 'garbage pick-up game' and the 'garbage truck T-shirt' ideas, as well at the bunting, 'worms in dirt' and of course the 'garbage truck cake' ideas, they all came from the great blog at Pink Peppermint Paper

For the table decorations, garbage pick-up game and 'worms in dirt' ideas, I thank Hostess with the Mostess 

The instructions for the newspaper party hats, T-shirt,and the amazing garbage truck cake idea were found at Create Studio Thanks, Sarah!

Table decorations, garbage pick-up and 'worms in dirt' ideas also came from Cakes Likes a Party

Pizza box art and garbage pick-up ideas from Invite & Delight and an amazing garbage truck cake from Cakes Central

I decided to try my hand at making marshmallow fondant for the birthday cake.  Not sure if I'd be brave enough to attempt it again, but a great tutorial for it was found at  Clockwork Lemon with more instructions also found at What's Cooking America?   It looked pretty easy to do, but was quite a challenge, and had I not laughed hysterically throughout the process, I may have cried!

Green Marshmallow Fondant...Mmmm!

I almost threw it in the garbage, but chose to wrap it up and leave it in the fridge overnight.  Much to my surprise, when I rolled it out the next morning it acted just like fondant!  Who knew?  Aside from getting carried away with the green colour gel, it actually tasted not too bad (for fondant!)

Aidan's actual birthday is today, and we will celebrate once again.  Just family this time.  Pizza and chocolate cake.  And not a garbage truck to be found!

Happy 5th Birthday, my beautiful boy!