It’s been an event filled week–the kind that seems impossible to hold all that it did; but here we are, the Monday after, and there’s a mind cellar full of newly canned memories to last us a very long time. Thank God I got the analogy of the day over with. That was stressing me out. Moving along…
More later on reuniting with old friends. For now, someone had a birthday this weekend–the little someone who transformed years of dreaming about being a mama into reality.
Our girl is six.
After my dad gave her a giant fake diamond for Christmas and we used it as a prop in “Find the Missing Diamond” secret agent games, she decided she wanted a secret agent birthday party this year.
And my dad thought it was so cool that Lainey was born in 2007, the last three digits being 007, of course. Whoa, right? I mean, we had to do the secret agent thing at some point. So, a roll of crime scene tape and a few fake passports later, we had ourselves a TOP SECRET soiree for the C.I.A.’s newest agents.
Cupcake toppers: Top My Cupcake Etsy shop
With utmost attention to protecting the agency’s classified files, all new secret agent recruits were welcomed with thorough background checks. Alias creation (ranging from sophisticated names like Rebecca to imaginative alternatives like Sparkle and Stink Bomb), fingerprinting, print scanning–we don’t mess around here at the C.I.A.
Very cool app called Finger Scan that makes you feel all Mission Impossible.
Once all agents were cleared, we set off to follow a series of clues to solve the mysterious case of The Missing Diamonds.
Left: A password hidden in one of the agent’s hats.
After finding some evidence of shed fur, a few dog food kernels and a leash hanging from the tree, the agents concluded Sophie & Latte stole the diamonds. Until a sweet little wide-eyed girl piped up, “But how could dogs steal diamonds? They don’t have any hands!” This is true. This is true.
But they have good digging paws which came in handy when those sneaky dogs buried the diamonds in the woods.
Moral of the Story: Kids are smart. Or something like that.
And the rest goes something like a good party means the house gets trashed. I’m still picking up from the house being overtaken by little agents, but it was worth it.
Inexpensive table cloths: Cover tables with butcher paper, stamp it everywhere with a CONFIDENTIAL stamp, roll a line of crime scene tape down the middle.
And look–our youngest agent.
Coincidentally, this weekend’s recruit training included sleeping through the night for him (twice!). So yes, Agent Dash has been promoted.
I’m finding mustaches stuck to everything, and Lainey now wants every activity to include clues. But it was a good day followed by a sweet night of remembering just how incredible these past six years have been.
Kids clothes have a toddler “T” that follows all the sizes until size 6. Then it just stands there all alone, no “T” to soften the blow of this-kid’s-getting-big. It comes with so much good though, and as she grows, so do we.
Another birthday. More Love.
Happy Monday, Friends.
******
Party Details:
All print goods I made. I used Top Secret free font from DaFont.
Fedoras, magnifying glasses, passports, glasses (popped out the sunglass lenses), white lunch boxes, mustaches, black notebook and pen sets: all Oriental Trading.
T-shirts: 5-pack white Hanes t-shirts, painted black tie.
Party Music: Downloaded Mission Impossible and Secret Agent tunes from iTunes
And thank you to Heidi who took most of the pictures in this post so I could tend to C.I.A. duties.
Natalia Jean Sansosti says
Kudos on another spectacular party, Kelle! I always inspired when I see your creativity and ability to find news ways to bring magic into the everyday. (Although Lainey’s 6th birthday is not “everyday” – Happy Birthday to your big girl!!)
happymommy says
You seriously throw the BEST Birthday parties ever!!! What a creative idea, love it!!!!
FEAS613 says
Happy Birthday Lainey! Looks like so much fun!
Jen says
You are so creative! I’m in awe some this awesome party 😉
Renee says
Oh, Kelle, that is SO COOL!! You are so creative, I love it! Looks like Lainey had another amazing birthday. I can’t believe she’s 6 alreay. Time is flying by. Happy 6th birthday to the both of you! I hope you have a relaxing week ahead of you. 🙂
Chelsea says
What a FUN and creative little party! It looks like you and the kids had so much fun 🙂
meason98 says
Looks like a SUPER fun party!!!! And 6. Wow! Crazy!
meg bird says
What a blast! Super-mom award goes to you!
v.jack says
With all the parties I’ve seen you post on this blog, this has got to be one of my favorites. It’s just too cool! Great job, Mama and happy belated birthday to miss Lainey!
Missy says
I stumbled onto your blog somehow, and I am inspired by your party idea! WOW! I hope you don’t mind that I pinned it for my future reference. 🙂
Rachel Bee says
Another completely amazing and awesome party Kelle. I remember stumbling across your blog by researching for fairy party ideas and found your beautiful outdoor fairy party for Lainey when she turned maybe 3 or 4? Gosh, where has the time gone!
Danielle Huddleston says
What a great idea! My oldest (7) would go nuts for that!
gretchen says
You always throw the best parties!
Tanya says
What a fantastic party! I also love the casual shots where I spy other lovely bloggers/their beautiful kiddos, just a casual part of the scene! Looks like a wonderful time 🙂
Rach says
Very cool. I’m going to have to tuck this idea away for a few years down the road!
Argyrie says
This so beats Pin The Tail on the Donkey, Musical Chairs and Hide N Seek which is usual kids fare for birthdays. You have outdone yourself with this one and I’m sure Lainey and all her friends will have wonderful memories to last a lifetime. Happy Birthday Lainey!
Lexie Loo, Lily Boo, and Dylan Too! says
Happy Birthday, Lainey!
What an amazing party!
Maggie says
Kelle, you are so creative! Do you still do the yearly photobooks for the kids? I haven’t seen you post one in a while.
Mandi Wolfswinkel says
Lovin the party idea! How creative. Can’t wait to hear how your week with Nici went! My sons turned both turned 7 and 4 within the last 2 weeks and my daughter will turn the big 1-0 in September. I’m feeling sappy and blessed all at the same time. 🙂 Happy Birthday Lainey!
La Wood says
If your girl pretends to be a secret agent, I am sure that she will be happy to have the secret agent lens like this one: http://www.quandofuoripiove.com/2012/06/giocare-alle-spie-la-lente-decifra.html (inspired by http://www.ambrosiagirl.com/blog/fathers-day-secret-message-box). I think this is a great game for children that are learning to read, you can write “secret words or messages” and Lainey has to read them. That’s cute, isn’t it?
Wszystko o Italii says
Such a GREAT idea for a birthday party! 🙂
Jen Biasi says
Lila and I had such a wonderful time, Kelle. Your shindigs are always so memorable and fun. {L insisted upon wearing her tee to school today, and is now convinced every task I ask her to do is a ‘mission’, so… Job well done ~ Thank You!} xo
Shari says
Looked like an awesome time was had by all. You are one awesome mama!!!!
Joyce says
Will you be my mother?
Chasing Hazel says
Forget the kids…I want to come to one of your parties!!! Plus you had cupcakes (wait…I think that could possibly be the bump talking).
Great ideas, the kids must have had a blast. Thanks for sharing!!!
Megan C says
Love that idea! Can you plan my future children’s parties?!
Kyra B says
Love. Just love. Love the creativity. Love the group of ladies (older and younger) all working together and finding such joy in one an other. LOVE the way you make each one of your children feel so loved, cherished and unique. You’re the best. LOVE your posts. Just feeling lots of “Kelle love” right now. 😉
Rachel @ Blue Skies and Lemonade says
Great party! Thanks for your posts. You remind me to make the effort – create memories. that’s why I keep reading 🙂
RitaMarie says
What an adorable party idea. 🙂 I don’t have kiddos, but I may have to keep this in my memory bank for “if.”
brurya henig says
I’m relatively new to your blog, and I wanted to start off by saying how amazing and inspiring your story is.
After going through a tremendous loss in my community today, it’s good to sit back and remember how much we have to be thankful for, and I wanted to thank you for reminding me with your writing to do just that!
As to this post, I wish I could find the time and energy to throw a party like that for my kids, they would love it!
Thanks again for this wonderful blog!
dressesandmesses says
Oh.my. I am dying over the creativity!! I love how simple this party was, but loads of fun! Sooo cute!
Reenie says
Happy Birthday Sweet Lainey!! What a cute party… adorable photos.
🙂
Jennifer says
Very creative! Looks like a fun time was had by all! I love hosting parties at home for my boys. 🙂
Katie says
This is amazing.
Sara says
As always, you rocked it!
Peeper says
Another hit 🙂 Happy birthday to you and Lainey.
Followed your special week on Instagram and am all warm and fuzzy inside just from living vicariously though your connectedness.
If you have any burning, brilliant ideas for a jungle/safari party for a four year old, please do share. I have a few but am open to more.
Domestic Bloggess says
Must be something about 6 – we threw my son a Super Spy party for his birthday last July – their mission was to solve the Mystery of the Missing Money. It’s was the Marshmallow Maniac’s fault! Apparently it was all about alliteration for me 🙂
Love all your little party touches. These little people make life so much fun in a million different ways!
Nichole says
Oh man, I know what you mean about the clothes sizes. My oldest turned 6 a few months ago and I think having to go to the kids’ section instead of babies’ is what made it really hit home with me!
Michelle Thiele says
I love everything about this! So many thoughtful, unique touches. My 27th birthday is tomorrow and I’m trying to figure out how I can work a finger scanner into a party…
Gigi says
I sort of want to cry when I see pictures of your parties, Kelle. They are all so lovely and creative. I have parties at my house but I don’t have a lot of friends or know any of the moms of my son’s friends…thus, our parties are just…us. I hope I can get to know some other moms for the sake of my kids–if only to give them better birthday parties! Thanks for sharing.
Wendy says
Looks like the party was so much fun!! Loved it all – too cute how Agent Dash got in on the action, too!
So glad she had a great party – love the idea!
Courtney says
What a fantastic party! I love all the attention to detail! So cute, lucky girl!
Jeanie says
Happy birthday, Lainey! Kelle, you outdid yourself once again on the party. You are so clever!
TRB Holt says
WHAT FUN…..Again Happy Birthday 007!
xoxo, Bug & Ruby’s Gram
ps….nice to see some agents there from Montana too 🙂
Tammie says
Happy Birthday Lainey,
What a cute party and a whole lot of cute spy agents.
Cetta says
That picture of Dash in hat and glasses made me laugh out loud. Thanks for that!
Happy, happy birthday, Lainey.
Mandelblog says
Kelle, I have been following silently for years and have been compelled many times to post but I held my daughter’s first birthday party this weekend and had a ball with the planning. Your parties are always an inspiration, this one included. Thanks for being such a great mom and inspiring the rest of us!
Brady says
Well this is probably just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
Kristyn Hiemstra says
How fun to see Nici’s girls and Glennon’s too 🙂 Happy birthday to your sweet Lainey!
Jennifer says
The last picture brought tears to my eyes and is priceless. A girl and her daddy…
Roksalanna says
Happy 6th Birthday Lainey!
Have lots of fun being a 6 year old.
Jessica says
Happy Six, Laney! I hate it when that “T” disappears from the clothes.
Sabrina says
Oh my gosh, your kids in the hats and glasses – so cute! But I’ve got to admit that the picture of Dash in his secret agent gear was my favorite… <3 <3
Happy Birthday Lainey!
The Fischer Family says
Oh how much I love this! So fun!!! Happy birthday Lainey! 6 is awesome!!
Susan Martin says
Great analogy! What a creative birthday party idea! OMG, this is so cool and your kids are going to have the best memories! Happy Monday to you, too!
Claire @ Scissors Paper Rock says
Awesome party yest again Kelle….and GO Dash…two full nights! That is every Mother’s dream! Lovely.
x
Maheen Ott says
SO cool, I have never seen such a theme party but the sky is the limit! It is weird but I thought I was beginning to see other familiar faces, Glennon? And was it Margot and Ruby from Montana? crazy! Six is really “big” isn’t it? I found myself crying doing our year in review book for 2012 noting how much they have changed from the past 365 days…bittersweet all the way!
Raelyn says
Kelle….
A secret agent birthday party!! For Hampton. Lainey Hampton. {Sorry, I could not resist!!} ;-D
You are so freakin’ good at planning parties!! You’re a natural!! Oh, and those cupcakes? I want one!! 😉
“GOOSEPOOP”?! Crack. Me. Up!! ;-D
–Raelyn
bhumikasept says
Hi kelle,
you are great at planning and executing birthday parties. Loved all the pics taken by Heidi. You have great friends around. Keep it up and keep posting.
Please look at http://www.anoptimistic.wordpress.com and provide your feedback
Jenny says
Man, your parties kick A$$!!! Nicely done!
Tara dS says
I wonder what Lainey’s birthday is. We celebrated my son’s sixth birthday on Sunday too (his is the 28th) and I also felt a little twinge of sadness when we crossed over the aisle from the toddler clothing section into the little boy section at the store… Looks like a fun time was had at your secret agent party!
Farmgirl Paints says
I feel like I was there. You paint such a picture girl. A party planning book should be in your future somewhere. You’ve got the details gift:-) Happy birthday sweet Lainey.
Marianne says
You have such great parties! I love the pic in the driveway – all the moms lined up in that little bit of shade!
The Best of Both Worlds says
What an awesome party! I love all the lil things you did with the shirts and glasses and nametags. The fingerprinting was such a cool idea. That last picture is such a great one too!
Annie says
Wow. The birthday parties you throw are amazing. What a rich experience for your children (and family, and friends!) How on earth do you come up with all of the ideas for accessories, etc..?? and Truly, how do you find the time to create it all?!?! (especially with three kiddos now!)
I always love seeing the details of the parties you throw.
Lana says
I was a little taken aback when I saw that it was Lainey’s 6th bday- because it means I’ve been reading your blog for over 3 year! WOW, time does fly. Looks like it was a great celebration. Happy Birthing-Day to you, too, Momma.
Shutterbug Mama says
What an awesome party idea! I wish I had just half of our creativity! My littlest turns 7 on January 7 it would be a cool party idea! 007!! Is right! Happy Birthday Lainey!
Julieta says
Brilliant! What a great party 🙂
Cheers from Portugal!
Kelly Sheehy says
Fun, fun, fun! Wow! 🙂
Sydney says
What a fun idea and such great inspiration for my daughter’s party. She doesn’t like the “girly girl” stuff, this is perfect for her! 🙂
Kiki says
Happy belated birthday, Lainey! Six is a great age and I can’t believe Lainey will be done with kindergarten soon! 🙂
LOVE that party theme! I love that idea and it so reminds me of all of the informal treasure hunts my dad created for my sisters’ and my birthday parties. I LOVE that fingerprint scanner app, too! If only those apps were in existence back when I was a kid.
p.s. Hooray for Dash sleeping through the night!
Mix of 6 Blog says
Love it! What a super cute idea!
Rhett says
What a fun party. Super cute agents! Happy Birthday to Lainey!
Jolene - EverydayFoodie says
You astound me. Incredible. Happy belated birthday to Lainey!
dig this chick says
Seriously!!!! You are amazing. Love that we were there. Why does it still feel like magic to see my kids in your photos?! Love that. Love you. Love your family. Looooove. xx
Stephanie says
My god, I so hope to be as cool a parent as you someday. This looks like SO MUCH FUN. Also your comments right at the end made my hormonal pregnant self cry. What a joyful life you must have.
Vanessa Washburn says
I love your parties. This one is so new and creative. thanks for sharing.
arianna says
Finalmente posso scriverti! E’ da tempo che volevo dirti quanto tu e la tua famiglia siete straordinari. Tu sei una donna bella e forte, sono fortunate le persone che ti vivono accanto.
Vi auguro ogni bene,che la Vita Vi sorrida,sempre!
Cathy says
Your kids have the coolest parties! I suppose that is a byproduct of having a cool mom.