Party Animals :)

This year we tried something different for the kids to celebrate their birthday with their friends. They already have more stuff than they know what to do with. Last year each girl invited 3 friends each. Parents were unsure however, and those that knew they were triplets, sent three gifts and it was such an overload for us and I felt bad about the extra expense for those parents.

Earlier this year, I heard that you could have birthday parties at the local animal shelter and I thought it was a fantastic idea! We talked to the girls about how much stuff they have, how they can't keep track of it, take care of it or sometimes, even remember it! They were all keen on helping out the shelter by asking their friends to bring gifts for the animals instead of for themselves. A few days later they started waffling on the present idea.... until I reminded them that this was just for their friends, their birthday wouldn't be totally present-less! Then they were back on board :)

We sent out invites and requested donations to the shelter from their wish list in lieu of kid type gifts. Parents loved the idea! I guess I'm not the only one that finds the influx of plastic bits to be overwhelming/unnecessary

They got a tour of the facility and learned how they help animals, how they find the animals and how they are cared for etc. They got to go around and see all the cages and where all the animals are kept too.

Here are all the "birthday gifts" from our guests! Some people really got into it, check out that gift basket!!! Most people brought supplies and some people donated money or gift cards so the shelter can buy what they want. We were limited to only 12 kids total, including mine, or I'd have let them invite their whole class to help the shelter even more!

After the tour, it was time for cake!

Yep, THAT was the cake! I like to stick with a theme and this was perfect! I saw this online ages ago & have wanted to make it ever since. This seemed like the perfect occasion and the kids couldn't wait to see their friends! Mumma was skeptical "oh Kelly, NO one is going to want to eat THAT!!!" Pfffft. goes to show what she knows about 7 year olds! It's all about poop, pee and bums at this age! They thought the cake was awesome. I got repeat requests for extra helpings of cat poop!!!

It was a great party but a little cramped as the shelter makes use of all available space in their small location. The kids didn't mind and they had a blast playing with the kittens. At the end, they all got to make a cat toy to give to the kitten of their choice and one extra one to take home if they had a cat of their own.

Maybe next year we can have it at the food bank or soup kitchen!!!! ;)))