Oldest came into the world a TV lover. I mean, I know all kids love TV- but really- by 6 months he would just lay there mesmerized by baby einstein for as long as I would let him. I didn’t know this was out of the ordinary until I had more children. The second wouldn’t sit for any length of period to watch TV until he was almost 2. The third is 14 months and has very little interest so far. In any case, by the time Cameron was 2 he had a well established Curious George addiction. I have to admit, im pretty fond of the show myself- very clever writing. Now he’s all grown up and into transformers and all that jazz, I miss those simple Curious George days…
For Cameron’s 2nd birthday party, and the first real birthday party I ever threw, we did it Curious George style. It’s funny looking back at these pictures, I don’t think I even consulted the internet for anything. Can you imagine? Back before pinterest… anyway, it was simple- but I think it was perfect. We shared it with good friends and they had a good little 2-year-old time.
I knew I wanted a photo-op-carnival-style-stick-your-head-through-the-hole-thingy (that’s the official name of those things, you can fact check me if you want). At first I was asking Sweet Hubby to procure me a piece of plywood and cut it to shape and I would paint it. He looked at me with his big “you’re crazy” eyes and helped me scale down my idea to something less time intensive. So we just got a big cardboard box, covered it with craft paper (very handy to have around when making party decorations by the way), painted the George, cut a hole for the head, and added some extra cardboard for the top of the hat to give it a more 3D feel. Of course we changed it from Curious George to Curious Cameron to honor the birthday boy.
And since it was a Curious George party, clearly we had to get into some trouble. George is frequently caught painting places he should not, so I thought it would be fun to do the same. I taped up two long sheets of craft paper which I had traced some curious george characters on. Told each of our little guests to come with a “smock” and armed them with washable paint and those big foam brushes (the 1 or 2 inch are best for little hands). They had a ball. This could obviously be easily adapted for a lot of different themed parties, just trace the appropriate images/characters and let the kids go to town. Be sure you get the washable paint like this stuff! And even so we hosed down what paint did get on our cinderblock wall right away to be sure.
before
Of course they are all trying to paint the same character- spread out guys! plenty to go around 😉
the masterpiece
On the menu were things like dried banana chips, banana runts, and for dessert we had bananas that I slit down the middle, filled with chocolate chips & marshmallows, wrapped in tin foil and put in the oven for a few minutes until it got all melty (im not much of a cake fan). We used these plates and matching cups & napkins. Other activities included story time: Curious George & the Dump Truck and some good freeze dancing to the Jack Johnson Curious George album (which by the way is a fantastic album).
We have since moved from this home and looking at these pictures is making me miss all our amazing Tucson friends. It makes me so sad to think Cameron barely even remembers them, or anything about Tucson. But it will always hold a special place in our hearts. 🙂
If you’re in party planning mode check out my best party planning tips here. And if facebook is your thang then follow me there to stay up to date with all my free printables & party ideas.
This is so cute!!! Love the photo booth 🙂
It would work great for any themed party, just change out the character.
We love us some Curious George in our household! What a fun birthday party, what kid doesn’t love painting. And that photo booth! Alia, you are amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Sheena Perron recently posted…{Primary} October 2015 Monthly Theme Poster
I know, it holds a special place in my heart… that curious george 😉 Now Oldest often will say “oh im just picking it for the baby” because he still loves it!
I like how you changed it to Curious Cameron. Cute idea. Did the paint come off easily if it got accidentally on the wall? I really like the idea of doing a big painting project.
Yes, my husband was worried so he sprayed it off right away. I bet if you let it bake in the sun all day it might not come off as easily however…
This a silly question but how was the box constructed? Was it Open just in the back. Really cute idea
Yes- it was open in the back, we just used the folds of the cardboard box as sides. Thanks for stopping by Julie!