Tuesday 5 February 2013

The Princess' 8th birthday party

So prepare yourself for a picture overload.

When we discussed her birthday last year she had one wish only - she wanted a "Stop rhino poaching " party. A theme that left me a bit baffled as to how to execute, but very proud of her values and choices. Hunter stepped in with the final format and venue and a party idea was born. We held it almost a month after her birthday due to the start of the year madness and the ballet practices every Saturday. But at last it was this Sunday afternoon.

She invited 7 school friends, 2 family friends (all girls between 7 and 9) and a sprinkling of younger siblings and two older siblings to go rhino watching at the Rietvlei dam reserve. The rest, as they say, is better told in picture format:

The invites, party packs etc all featured a cartoon rhino, zebra stripes for  the graphic effect and hot pink for a bit of girly ness. We decided on cupcakes for ease of use in the bush environment and I added animal figurines, pearl cake decor and cake glitter.
The funfetti cupcakes, something I "discovered" one day when on a whim added funfetti to cupcake dough. It makes a delightful little colour display inside each cupcake.
Favour bags at the back and party packs in the front - washi tape to seal it all.
Her special rhino cupcake with black and white mixed icing

The party favours were little notebooks to decorate themselves - glitter glue and a glitter pen with some foam shapes. Big and small loved this.

Roosterkoek - yummy.
Boerewors and prego steaks
Then we had a game drive - just showing you a  few of the pictures I like.





I have never been more relieved to spot these two little ears

The guests of honour also arrived for the party to the Princess (and our) great joy.. We saw these two quite close, then 3 a bit later in the tall grass and just before we left another 3 on a hill.
She had a great time and I actually think that even the parents had a great time. She certainly had the most original party.

24 comments:

  1. wow now that looks like an incredible party!! LOVE the theme :) and well done... looks like the kids had a ball

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  2. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH did you hear me scream all the way in Pta?

    I LOVE THIS PARTY SO MUCH!

    It is SO perfect for her and for your family!!!! Perfection :)

    You did a great job on all counts - all of you. I can see touches of you and of H. how on earth did you even know about a venue like that? He does do a good braai :) :)

    And R, that pic of A is my favourite yet. Mind you, I also like the long-legged one from the beach too so maybe it's a 2013 thing? mmmm

    I think you told us about those shirts - COnnor has the same ones your boys are wearing :)

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    1. Oh he does a great braai. Marcia, we go there at least once a year - it is a grat spot for a picnic, not expensive and really a bit out of the city. Maybe we must meet there one day.

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  3. It's so cool we're friends - I'm just stealing all your ideas every year :) I can't wait to do A's mosaic party one day too!

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  4. Wow...this is an awesome party theme...in true South African tradition...and topped with a braai. Your princess looked so pretty and so happy too.

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  5. Such a beautiful party, a wonderful cause, and one special little girl you have there. Just gorgeous on all accounts, Cat!!!

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  6. This is such an amazing party! You've done such an amazing job raising such a wonderful and caring girl!!

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  7. What a gorgeous setting for a party...awesome

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  8. I love how passionate your daughter feels about the poaching of Rhinos and how she wanted to celebrate her birthday to make people aware. You are raising a great girl there.

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  9. Looks like a great party!

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  10. What a fantastic birthday idea! I love the photo of her blowing out the cupcake candles. She look beyond happy.

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    1. Believe me she smiled every wingle minute of the day

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  11. I am sooo glitter gluing my next party favours!!!!
    You rock mom! This must have been the bestest party ever!!

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  12. love this! I am going to steal the notebook idea :) Kiara is also having hers at Rietvlei - we are going to do the walk around the lion enclosure. She can not wait :)

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  13. This is absolutely perfect! It looks like it was a wonderful party.

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  14. Oh my word! What an amazing idea and I am left SO jealous that I live in Cape Town and not closer to the wildlife you have up there. And I totally agree - Anneke and Jake are destined for great things together. We just have to wait another couple of years before we set them up! I promise he'll take good care of her ;o) I must do a blog about Jake's up coming party soon too!

    Thanks for sharing this most wonderful idea!!

    Sue X

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  15. PS. Awesome pic of you and hubs, love that he was in full ranger gear too!

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    1. You should have seen him on her 4th birthday party - all pirate! I love that he is such a fun dad

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  16. It looks like it was a fantastic party! Well done on pulling off something as special as this with flair.

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  17. Lovely party idea and to see a real life rhino at a rhino themed party - real icing on the cake.

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  18. What a beautiful girl you have that would want a birthday theme like this. Happy birthday A. great job with the party, Cat!

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  19. Gosh what a wonderful looking venue and party. You are an incredible mom and it shows by how wonderful and sensitive and caring your children are too. You seem like a really fantastic person. I'd love to meet you! x

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