My bucket can't take this :)

So if Saturday was an exciting day for Buckets of Grace, Sunday has been the "bees knees" (to quote Charlotte from Princess and the Frog.)  Not only was Ethan's Cars Party featured on Catch My Party!, but one of the most coveted and notable party blogs also featured the party - Pizzazerie.  Here is a link.  I am absolutely shocked and honored.  Courtney wrote the nicest things about the party:

Finding fabulous boy’s party ideas can be a bit more challenging. When Melissa Thiel Collar submitted this Disney Pixar’s Cars Birthday Party she threw for her son, Ethan, I knew I had to share it with you because I love it.  It can also be challenging to use a commercial party theme, but she did so with lots of unique ideas and PIZZAZZ! Thanks for sharing, Melissa! Such a great job.

The kids made fun race cars out of cardboard boxes and had a blast racing each other. You can see more details and lots of additional pictures on her site, Buckets of Grace.

This isn't like just arguing a case before the Supreme Court, it's like arguing and winning!  Thank you Courtney! 

"Ta Da! It's My Birthday Party!" - Ethan

At least that's what Ethan said to Grace as she walked into the garage after school to see "his party" preparations.  He was so excited to show off his party to her!  His excitement was worth more than anything to me.  The weather turned out to be much nicer than predicted, but in the end having the party in the garage worked out great.  I don't think I ever could have been ready had I needed to set up on the party day on our patio.  And, as my friend Rebecca said as we were both planning our children's parties for the same day and commiserating about the weather, at least my theme fit a garage setting.  (Not so much for her Alice in Wonderland theme.)

Not to sound too much like an acceptance speech at the Academy Awards, but I really do want to thank everyone who helped me plan this party, my husband for putting up with me and only occasionally getting mad at me when he attempted to calculate in his head the money I was spending, all the inspiration I've gathered from the various different parties on everyone's talented blogs, Betsy Pruitt from Belly Feathers who has been so kind and helpful as I've adventured into party planning blog land and the same to Michelle Burt of Maddycakes Muse.  Also, a big thanks to Jessie Warner who graciously agreed to come take pictures of my lil' ol' party and making me look so good!

Thank you for looking and reading my blog.  I'm so grateful and honored!  This post is a picture overload!  I'll try to include all the sources of the various items, but if I don't feel free to email me. 

The Invite

The Candy Table

Candy Labels - Posh Pixels

Banner - Gwynn Wasson Designs

Checkered Flag Banner and Table Skirt - Race Party Decorations

 

 

More Yummy Treats

Cone Holders (re-purposed Drink Caddies) - Pottery Barn

Cupcake Stand - Pottery Barn

Party Hats - Make It Mine Parties

Race Car cupcake toppers (not the McQueen or Mater) - Meri Meri

Fillmore Organic Fuel Labels - Belleza e Luce

Rust Eze Medicated Bumper Ointment Labels - Belleza e Luce

Sally's Cozy Cone Cups - Birthday Express

 My own attempt at making a McQueen cake for Ethan!

Happy Birthday Banner - ScrapEm Easy on Etsy

Cars banner in backdrop - Meri Meri

  

Turning a Frog into a Prince (a.k.a. A Garage into a Birthday Bash!)

Ethan was my little helper the day before the party.  He was so fun!  Ever since my neighbor Tina mentioned the "lollipops" after seeing the picture on the blog, he has been asking for a "pop!"  I've held out on him but on Friday he was so good and so sweet, I couldn't resist any longer.  Note to you moms out there worried about stains -  the black and white lollipops make a mess, but it comes out of clothes like a charm!

(For pictures of other signs used at the party, see my previous post here.)

Race Sign - Race Party Decorations

Cupcake flower centerpiece - inspired by How Does She?

Racing Party Favors

Bubbles - Gwynn Wasson Designs (not currently on her Etsy shop, but email her and she is great to work with!)

Racing Trophies - Oriental Trading

Custom Labels - Belleza e Luce

Crayon Rolls - Tamis Cozies, Etsy

Crayon Roll Thank You Tags - ScrapEm Easy on Etsy

Checkered Flag Favor Bags - Oriental Trading

Favor Tags - Designer Favors, Etsy

Fun and Games!

These race car boxes are supposed to resemble Lightning McQueen and The King.  Who knew a cardboard box could be so much fun.  The kid had a blast with these boxes for the entire party - racing their aunts and even grandmas.  By the end of the party they had been so used and abused, I had to recycle them.

I stole the idea of the tire toss game from Betsy at Belly Feathers.  Again, who knew an old, free racing tire and some bean bags would provide so much entertainment.  The kids had a blast with this game!

This was my homemade "Pin the Tire on McQueen" game. 

The Birthday Boy (and his sister too) (and his mom and dad!)

Ethan's custom Cars shirt - eBay (no longer can find it on there).

Grace's Dress - Lil Sweetie Boutique on Etsy

Again, thank you all for looking.  It makes me exhausted thinking about this party again - but Ethan's reaction and sincere look on his face and enthusiasm throughout the party made it all worth it!