A Kindergarten Party

I can't believe my little peanut is going to kindergarten.  While part of me is sad, more of me is proud.  As a preemie, he has fought hard for his life.  He has faced more obstacles and overcome more at the age of five than some people do in a lifetime.  Given that, I look at this milestone as quite an achievement and that makes me glow.  It seems lately I walk through the house and catch glimpses of pictures of my kids and smile from ear to ear while at the same time my eyes well up with tears. The pictures remind me that time flies so I have to cherish the moments and milestones.  Even before I started my business, I knew I wanted to throw a special kindergarten party for my little guy, it was too special of a time not to.  And with THIRTEEN neighbor kids heading off to kindergarten this year, I knew it was great way for them all to get together and familiarize with all the faces they will see.
The tone of the party was set with fun invites Nealon and I made together.  Simple, yet very classic.  The front was black construction paper that he glued, while I did the writing in chalk.  The inside was standard school writing paper describing the details.  Let me tell you hard it is to write in basic manuscript.  I concentrated...a lot.
I carried the simple, classic look into the party design by using a lot of basic colors and lots things iconic of school...primary colors, apples, school supplies.  The lunch served was even a iconic so to speak...turkey/cheese sandwiches, grapes, pretzels, juice box.
While the primary goal of the party was for the kids and mommy's to hang out and get to know each other, I had the kids do a keepsake craft.  Each child did handprints and wrote their name on a sheet of white paper to show their size and ability at the start of school.  I hope to remember to have Nealon do the same when he graduates high school.  I also took a picture of each child with his/her mom.
For a parting gift, the kids got an art box filled with crayons and pencils, as well as my son's favorite, a spiral notebook.  The art boxes coordinated with the color scheme and added to the table well.  Speaking of tables, thanks goes to the lovely Debbie of Tabletops for Tots!  She is fabulous and being a local vendor, I'm excited to work with her on upcoming events!
Overall, this party pulled together easy since the elements were so basic.  I just might do an annual party to make an otherwise dreaded event a little bit more exciting.  At least, I can hope:)

Yes, I really did spell "kindergarten" wrong.  On the focal point no less, and I didn't notice until I started editing pictures for this post.  How embarassing.

The whole crew.....

This was their "silly" shot...no joke. Boy, are their teachers are gonna have their hands full...

To my peanut, 

I love you and am more proud of you than you can ever imagine.  You have taught me patience, given me strength and shown me infinite love. You are the brightest, sweetest, most compassionate son and big brother.  You are gonna make a girl really happy one day.

Paperie and Party Styling: Party Pretty Design

Tables/Chairs: Tabletops for Tots