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:

Love the Day

Tatertots and Jello

Baby Lifestyles

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!