The Macs

Friday, February 17, 2012

more cousin love {a valentine party}

We had our first cousin Valentine party last year and it was so fun that Levi and I decided it might need to become a tradition around here. I know not everyone would agree, but I think Valentines Day is great. And now that I am the mama of two boys I have to take advantage of this day because it might be my only chance to plan a party with lots of pink and hearts and get away with it. I don't think Joel will let me throw any girly, pink birthday parties for the boys. So...Valentines day it is! :)

They had the mailboxes in the dollar spot at Target again. They were a hit last year and this year they had turquoise mailboxes! Love that. So I went with a turquoise/red/pink theme. Besides the mailboxes, all the other decorations were things I had on hand. 

I might have to leave the happy heart banner up for awhile. It makes my kitchen so cheery. You can find the tutorial for the happy heart banner here.

Instead of Valentines, I made a cousin memory game for Levi to give to each of his cousins. It was inspired by this one from Jones Design Company. Perfect for a cousin Valentine party! The kids drank red fruit punch from mason jars and red striped paper straws from Garnish.

The vinyl polka dot table cloth was on clearance at Walmart at the end of the summer. I used kraft paper down the middle of the table and cut out water color hearts to spread around the table.

 There were eight "big" cousins and three new baby cousins this year. The big cousins feasted on homemade macaroni and fruit. Yum. (Did you notice all of Levi's cousins are drinking red juice but him. He doesn't like juice...crazy. He couldn't part with his milk cup. Doesn't quite go with the theme...but, whatever!)

Before the party, Levi and I made sugar cookies to decorate.


 Each cousin got to decorate two cookies to eat. Lots of frosting was used.

And lots and lots...

 and lots of sprinkles.

 Levi didn't even bother eating the cookies. Just frosting and sprinkles for him.

And of course a big mess. But it is worth getting sprinkles everywhere when you are having so much fun with your cousins.

The baby cousins just hung out on the couch while all the sugar consumption was going on. There were actually three babies, but somehow we only managed to get a picture of these two. It is hard to believe that next year they will be running all around with the rest of them!

There is lots of cousin love around here. Levi and Griffin are blessed to be able to grow up with so many of their cousins. We will definitely have to have a cousin Valentine party again next year. At least I get to plan a girly party once a year, right?!

Last year's cousin Valentine party was featured on several blogs this month:

Thanks for the Valentine love ladies! You can see the original post from last year's party here.

Phew. I'm glad I finally got this posted before the week got away from me. :) 
Hope you all have a great weekend!

20 Comments:

Anonymous May said...

Just Lovely,,,, Im so happy for you and your family,,, the best thing yo uhave is your family,,, SUPPORT is the key and FAITH in God.

Lots of love
The children are all so lovely ,God bless and May He shower you all with Health, Love and Prosperity
May

Massachusetts

February 18, 2012 at 12:30 AM  
Blogger Mum2twopreciousgifts said...

You have a baby? You have a very active Levi? AND you make time to plan a BEAUTIFUL looking party?? #Jessisamazing!!

Prayers coming your way for a night of uninterrupted sleep. Let me know when Griffin obliges so I can stop praying for your sleep :)

p.s. Can you please adopt me so I can get out my passport and come to the next cousin party? It looked extraordinary.

Michelle xxxx

February 18, 2012 at 3:30 AM  
Blogger Clutter-Free Classroom said...

Oh my goodness....this looks like it's right out of a Martha Stewart catalog!! I love it.

❤Jodi from...
★★The Clutter-Free Classroom★★
Helping Teachers Get Organized

February 18, 2012 at 5:53 AM  
Blogger Nancy said...

so fun..where did you get the little table and chairs? Thanks

February 18, 2012 at 7:14 AM  
Blogger Kristi REDISKE said...

So Cute and looks so fun! I love the little mail boxes-Target always has cute dollar stuff. I love the chalkboard and the painted hearts-what a great idea! I want to make that chalkboard-what kind of wood did you use for it-I am pretty sure you made it sometime. Did you buy chalkboard paint?

February 18, 2012 at 8:42 AM  
Blogger Our Family of Four said...

such a cute party idea- and such cute kiddos! those mailboxes are adorable. i wish the target here had a dollar section!

February 18, 2012 at 12:06 PM  
Blogger Katie said...

You always throw the cutest parties!! I am in love with the mailboxes. I just wanted to tell you thanks for the info you sent me on camera lenses and tutorials. I never got you emailed back, but I appreciate it so much! I am having a hard time keeping up with everything now that I am back to work after maternity leave. So sorry for the delayed thank you!

February 18, 2012 at 12:32 PM  
Blogger Meggie said...

How cute!! Everything looked so adorable and fun! I know all the cousins had a ball and enjoyed their party. Thanks for sharing your creativity and party planning skills with us!

February 18, 2012 at 12:53 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Love it! Another fun party. I wish Canada would get Target here, those mini mailboxes are such a great find!

February 18, 2012 at 12:58 PM  
Blogger Lori said...

Such a cute and fun idea! Love all the details.

February 18, 2012 at 7:49 PM  
Blogger Lori said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

February 18, 2012 at 7:49 PM  
Blogger Jill said...

Love your cousin valentine party! We had a cousin party too + a couple of friends. :) I'm with you...love Valentine's Day and I think we'll make this a tradition as well!

February 18, 2012 at 8:41 PM  
Blogger Miss G said...

We had a cousin party too and my little gut did the same lick frosting off the knife trick:). Kelly

February 19, 2012 at 12:34 AM  
Blogger ABBY said...

Really cute!! You do such a beautiful job on your parties. :)

February 19, 2012 at 8:46 PM  
Blogger Stef said...

LOVE! I saw the little mailboxes at Target and thought about buying them for... something... but that's my problem. My brain can see a cute thing but then I have no idea what to do with it :)

February 20, 2012 at 12:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just love your blog, your story and this party! I am a new follower via GFC.

XOXO Ginny
www.chasingoursunshine.com

February 20, 2012 at 1:54 PM  
Blogger Jody said...

I asked my sister if I could celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with my niece since the classrooms celebrate Dr. Seuss and not the library. Maybe I'll invite our cousin's little boy over to join us.

February 20, 2012 at 2:12 PM  
Blogger Miss Harriet. said...

Such a cute little party! What fun ideas too. Can't wait to have my own little people to plan parties for! :)

February 20, 2012 at 3:39 PM  
Blogger Kimberlee Jost said...

I love your cousin posts.
I grew up with my cousins being so much like siblings...I imagine your kids will feel the same way.
:)

February 25, 2012 at 1:44 PM  
Blogger Emily said...

Um cutest lil arty ever, wish we were cousins!!

March 3, 2012 at 11:34 PM  

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