It had to be Hello Kitty

I know it's been a few days since I posted. I spent the end of last week preparing for Lily's 6th Birthday party which took place on Sunday. My baby was turning 6 and she wanted a Hello Kitty Birthday party. I didn't have as much time as I would have like to prepare this year. So in between CHA projects and quick turn around deadlines, I managed to come up with my vision for her requested party theme by searching some party ideas via Pinterest and Google.

I decided on a pool party at our local park so the kids would have something to keep them busy and the adults could enjoy a little "time off". The location could not have been better with a picnic and BBQ area next to the playground and on the other side of the playground, one of our 3 local pools that is only 3 feet deep and staffed with 2 lifeguards.

I wasn't a fan of the current Hello Kitty party supplies at Party City so I searched for some free Hello Kitty printables via Google and came to the blog All Things Simple.  Kim shared her daughter's Hello Kitty party inspiration and had some awesome printables that were exactly what I was looking for. I fell in love with this poster she created and offered the download to. I followed her printing at Costco advice and it was a perfect way to greet our guests.

I mounted it to a poster board and used some takes to hold it in the grass at the park.

The party swag and treat table turned out pretty cute thanks to some Pinterest inspiration.

I purchased this cupcake tier 4 years ago with a coupon from Michaels and have used it for several party themes.

Thanks to my friend Sherry, this Sizzix Hello Kitty die was perfect for the top of the cupcake tier and the free printables from Kim punched out and blinged up with Stickles were perfect for the cupcakes!

These candy melt marshmallows were a hit with the kids and super easy to make.

I know goody bags at parties are expected and I am not a fan of the small rubber balls and other throw away treats you are supposed to fill them with. I'm sure no Mom wants to purchase items only to have them thrown away so I really tried to think of something that the kids would love and parents would appreciate. Here's what I came up with.

  Hello Kitty bags of Cotton Candy {totally cute and at the 99 cent only store}

Hot pink drink cups for the girls {available at Party City for 99 cents}

Lime Green drink cups for the boys.

and...Glow Bracelets. 

{available at Michaels for $1 and I had a 25% off your entire purchase coupon}

The kids were like...."Wow!" 

I loved their expressions as I had obviously had made good choices.

They had a great time swimming and it worked out perfect since the party started at 1 and went til 4 with the pool closing at 3.

Here's my little water baby... um I mean all grown up 6th Birthday Girl!

Aside from one other family, we had the pool to our party guests only.

 Olivia is a little ham and Lily loves playing with her.

 After the pool closed the kids got changed and spent some time playing on the playground.

And then it was time for cupcakes!

 

And a family photo. 

And some shots of the kids getting sugared up!

I love this expression on Lola's face. She is such a heart melter I tell ya!

 

It was great to watch all 16 kids that came, play and have a great time together. Our dear friends Vod and Solange were the first to arrive and the last to leave. They helped us clean up and in no time we had the car packed up and ready to head back home.

After her guests left Lily proclaimed she had the "best day ever!"

Thanks to all our friends that came. We are so glad that you are a part of our daughter's life.

{S}