Ethan's Mario Party

Check out this snazzy mustachioed bunch.

Nine kids in hats and mustaches -- it was too cute.  Thanks to my friend Jamey and National Karate I had the perfect place for Super Mario Bros. inspired games.  And just to be clear, its "bros", not "brothers" according to my boys.  I had a great time making things for this party:  Mario and Luigi hats for the guests, a Bowser costume for Pete (complete with spiked turtle shell and a hat with horns and a red mohawk), and a colorful pennant garland.  We had our very own Princess Peach, who came with her own costume from a dance recital, and a Koopa Troopa that was perfect in a TMNT shell from a Halloween clearance a few years ago.

Games included two obstacle courses where the kids could earn gold coins and stars.  The coins were hidden in balloons, around the room, and given out randomly by the cast of characters.  I had no idea 1st graders would have such excellent hula-hooping skills!  Toward the end of the party we totalled up the coins and stars and the one with the most got to choose from the prize bin first.

The cupcakes looked like spotted mushrooms.  I don't think any of the hungry, sweaty kids looked at them long enough to notice.

Thanks much to all of my helpers:  Chrissy, Lauren, Nate, Christina, Pete, Luke.  We all had a wonderful time!