"Pull my string! The birthday party's today?!"

Lanie's Toy Story-themed, fifth birthday party was a huge success! She and her friends had a great time, the games were fun, and no one was injured while whacking the piñata. It was extra-special to have Mel, Damon, Emma and Sophie here for the weekend, too. (Thanks for all of your help, guys!) Here's how it went down...

I custom-designed this invitation for the event. (Shameless plug: If you'd like me to custom-design an invitation for you, visit my Etsy shop.)

The cake.

Party favors.

Ben designed this poster for one of the party games: "There's A Snake In My Boot!". The kids toss small, plastic snakes through the hole and whoever gets the most snakes "in the boot" wins a prize.

Lanie tossing snakes.

"Alien Toss" party game. Don't be the one stuck holding the alien when the music stops.

This poster can be printed here. It also comes with a template for the tails. We pre-cut the tails from brown felt and had each kid decorate their own tail for the game.

Here's Bullseye after the party. He's now framed in Lanie's room and will always be a treasured keepsake for her.

Waiting for cake.

The birthday girl.

Some "Freeze Dance" action.

Lanie's turn at the piñata.

Sophie's hit did the trick.

Group shot.