Determining the theme of any given party can be a chore. But for me, I see something, perhaps one thing, and suddenly without realizing it, I’ve created a theme.

That’s what happened this go around. I came across the knitted monkey hat (seen here). It was too cute to pass up and I could just picture his cute round head with a monkey hat sitting on top of it…I suddenly had a theme going. That was two months ago. Within the course of time I was able to brainstorm different ideas, purchase things online with plenty of time and make any decorations I might need. Most everything was made beforehand which made the few days before stress-free.

Parties are primarily based on food. Monkey Vines, monkey bread, banana bread, cookies and sugar cookie cupcakes.

My philosophy is it isn’t a party if there’s not a banner. Sometimes it’s a paper banner, sometimes it’s fabric. Depends on what look I’m going for. Thank you fabric.com for the perfectly coordinating monkey fabrics!


We lucked out with some great evening weather that allowed us to hang out outside and enjoy the night.

This guy definitely enjoyed his night. I saw him eat two cupcakes. I saw him several times throughout the evening in someone’s arms with some new treat. Licorice. Banana bread. Cookie. He ate it all. And he loved every minute of it. Once I stopped the binging he was in tears. Which meant it was time for bed. All good things must come to an end.

I feel as though we’ve been on a Bennett overload – I swear he’s not our only child!