The night before...

As you can imagine, it has been a bit hectic around here- getting everything organised for not only the party tomorrow, but also Alexanders actual birthday. The space suits are finally finished, and each is packed in its own named draw string bag. This was a good idea at the start, but I was seriously regretting it today. The idea is they can either pack their clothes in them, or wear them as backpacks at the party - we'll see what happens. Also, another great $2 shop find was plain white caps. I had intended to make astronaut helmets out of paper maiche but even I realise I have already gone over the top as it is. I printed out an additional nasa badge and stuck it to the caps - they are actually really nice caps. I also had to sort out the backyard. We are planning to use the trampoline again, last year it was transformed to a pirate ship, this time zero gravity. I wanted helium balloons inside so we needed to put a roof on top. As we cant predict the weather, I bought some shadecloth from bunnings and Paul attached it with cable ties. As an aside I can recommend this to anyone who has a trampoline with sides- it reduces the heat inside the trampoline but keeps birds and leaves etc out of it - I don't know why we didn't do it earlier. Then my ever crafty brother got to work with the lights from ikea. These are christmas stars that I bought on special in their sale. As the party is during the day, he has wrapped the back of the trampoline in navy lycra that I just had lying around. (dont ask!) This is it at night - how great does it look - shame the party is lunchtime!

The other challenge was the rocket to get into space. With much reluctance, mum brought her tent over, and this was just the right size - and saved us a lot of mucking around trying to build one. Now lets just hope for a fine, not too hot day.

Father and Son

From a dear friend, Alexander received a construction kit which has wood, small nails and a real hammer in it, What better thing to sit and do with your dad. This is still a work in progress..

Fun and Games

Fun and games has been going on a bit here of late. I don't know whether it is the heat or the full moon but we are all over the shop and my tiredness isn't really helping the situation.
Last night I arranged to go to my brothers to do some logos for the big squirrel. We went to the pub for a quick dinner but ended staying there and doing trivia. It was a really nice impromptu night which made me feel a bit human again. We did actually do the logo stuff, but it was nice to just be me, and eat all of my dinner and not be mum for a couple of hours and worrying about everyone else. BUT and there always is a but, I got home late - and paid the price. Yes, they got up early. First there was a little man cuddling into bed with me, but then another one and I noticed wet stuff on me. Initially I thought it was dribble, but was thrilled to find it was actually foundation. The little 'angels' had been in the bathroom drawers and painted the sink, the toilet, the bath and the floor. I had moved most things but they are just getting into everything at the moment.
Overtired, overheated and generally over it we herded into the car for a pre-arranged trip to Scienceworks with this chick. This is just a great place - there is nothing they cant climb on and everything is there to touch. It was nice to be out and we even managed a fairly calm lunch. The boys all had fun and a great play, we had a lovely catch up and as soon as the twins were in the car they were asleep. So what started as another one of those days it was actually rather lovely and I was pleased we had gone.
Oh, I can also show you the pressie we gave Hugo for his birthday.
And just when you think the change has come, Spencer was a bit quiet and he had climbed up and got my bag and applied a little mascara. I think it really brings out his eyes - dont you?

Only a little bit of space..

Im still busy with the space suits for Saturdays party but I thought I would share this great little idea I found. I was looking on google for reference pictures of costumes for the suits and I found the spacestore. That was where I got the idea for the embroidered badges. I was going to buy them but I dont have time for delivery nor do I really want to spend any more money. So what I did was made transfers. I downloaded the image (only for personal use) flipped the image in Powerpoint and printed it onto t-shirt transfer paper (avail at office supply shops) They worked really well and I will either applique or stick (probably the latter!) them on like these great suits. A great little site for reference too!

Happy Birthday Cappies

Today was a family affair as we were celebrating four birthdays which occur over 2 weeks in January. Sarah & Andrew hosted it at the farm and we were spoilt with lovely weather and great hospitality. The boys love it there with so much space they can just run and run and run...til they run out of puff and sleep all the way home.
Happy Birthday to you Capricorns- Sarah, Andrew, Simon and Alexander

Boy oh Boys

I don't know if it is just boys being boys or they are future rockstars but today these boys took it upon themselves to do a bit of couch diving. All the cushions came off and they were throwing themselves off. While Spencer and Alexander were fairly sedate, little Benji was literally throwing himself off. There was no jumping, no line up, no nothing. He would put his hands behind his head and literally fall forward. Even when he fell flat onto the carpet between two cushions, there were no tears and he would get up to have another go. We did have to step in and end the game before 'someone got hurt' but their were tears - mine from laughing.

On a different subject - here is more work in progress for our space party. I have been on the internet searching reference etc and found this great site http://www.coolest-kid-birthday-parties.com/astronaut-costume.html which has a great array of party ideas.

Cut it out

As you know we are having a space themed party for Alexander's 5th birthday and we are getting the preparations underway. Rather than pressure everyone to find appropriate costumes, I am pressuring myself and making one for everyone! I know it sounds stupid, but I got some poplin on special and am making white overalls for 10 kids. So today while the exhausted little boys slept, mum and I cut out 10 space suits with a pattern from an old burda. I also found that i had 10 matching zips that I got dirt cheap from theos. While it takes a bit of time and organisation, it is cheaper than buying the white coveralls and I get to have a bit of fun too.

Speaking of fun, I HAD to go to spotlight to get some silver fabric for backpacks and found their clearance rack. In addition to the silver fabric (yes I did manage to get what I went for) I came home with three additional rolls- one track and field, one of terry towelling and one interlock/lycra of a very alien colour in our house - a pink print. I thought maybe something for me (PJ's) or put it in the stash for future presents.