This is the second year Tyler has picked out what theme he’s wanted.  Last year it was a Puppy Party, and this year he requested a “baby turtle party.”  So we got to work designing an Under the Sea Birthday Party for his celebration of a big 5 years old.  He’s going to be starting Kindergarten this year!

Our tables were set up with party favors for our young guests as they arrived.  Each of them got to pick out a bright pair of sunglasses of their choice to strike a pose in front of the photo wall.  They also received a personalized sand bucket to gather their party favors in at game time.

Even though a baby turtle party was the requested theme, we added in some whales to the designs as well. A bright blue, navy and green theme was chosen for a summertime feel.

For our party table setup:
We wrapped milk bottles filled with blue Gatorade with twine to give a nautical look.

Custom cookies were ordered from The Sweet Tooth Cakery in Tampa again this year.  Pamela does such an amazing job on the cookies, they always look and match perfectly!  We got the cake from Target and topped it with a wooden anchor.

The vanilla cake pops, oyster cookies and “crab” turkey or ham and cheese sandwiches we made ourselves.  The oyster cookies are made with Manila wafer cookies on the outsides and colored frosting with white pearl Sixlets in the middle.

Games/Activities:
The kids took their turn playing a fishing game with a wooden dolly I hot glued twine to make the fishing poles.  A magnet was on the end of the poles and on each fish.  They got to catch 2 fish each, receiving one prize per fish. For our second activity, we made sand art.  Each guest got their own plastic bottle and put in the colors of sand of their choice.

Kendall of Kendall Nickerson Photography took the photos.  She did a wonderful job and was great to work with!

I’ve enjoyed sharing our party with you and hope we’ve given you a few ideas for your own.