Jude the Dude turns three!! Vintage Train Themed party!

This train party was sooo much fun to plan. Jude is a huge train fan so it was a no-brainer when deciding what to do for his 3rd birthday. I came up with some fun ideas and also searched the internet and found some really great ideas, to make this a awesome train party!

The day started out super windy which was a challenge when setting up outside but we rolled with it and the party turned out to be wonderful!

LOCATION: Goat Hill Junction (in Costa Mesa, CA) such an awesome location to have a party. They have mini train rides for all your guests. The public ride days are conducted on the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of each month from 10:00 am - 3:30 pm. Check out the website. http://www.ocmetrains.org/first.html

INVITATIONS: I created these in photoshop and had them printed on linen paper. There was a front and back design.

BIRTHDAY BOY SHIRT: I had this shirt made from a cute etsy shop Planet Pudge
http://www.etsy.com/shop/planetpudge

 

DECORATIONS: I made some signs in photoshop to use at the party.

I ended up buying one very cool old suit case off of ebay, a old coca cola crate, a orange suitcase from land of nod, and some wood crates from Michael's craft store. I added dry flowers to my crates and also made a bunting banner with train scrapbook paper.

PARTY ACTIVITY: I had purchased wooden trains from discount school supply and had markers and crayons for the kids to color their own train.

They also road the train. This was the best part about the party.. the majority of the time the kids were off riding the train. :) I think my kids road it all 5 trips and they avrg. about 15 min rides. 

The CAKE: I made the cake myself using three loaf pans, three mini doughnuts that I made in my baby cakes doughnut maker, mini oreos, regular size oreos, a ice cream cone, and popcorn.
HOW TO MAKE IT: I trimmed the top off one loaf that was my base. (I also cut the corners off the front so it looked like the front of a train) Next I trimmed off the top of my 2nd loaf and, cut about 1/4" off that, then cut it in half and sandwiched them together and placed it on the first loaf sitting towards the back standing up. (that was the main car of the train) I also used one of the tops to the loaf and cut it to fit on top of the train car. Next you place the mini doughnuts in front of the main car. (I used toothpicks to hold them together) Now to prepare your coal car. Cut the top off then cut 1/4" off. Next cut into the the center of the car only half way deep and cut out a rectangular shape. Crumb coat all your cakes and put it in the fridge. Take it out and ice your cake. Decorate it with all your goodies. I had a thin metal wire that I strung the popcorn through for the steam. The smoke stack was the ice cream cone that i dyed with food coloring. You just need to cut the bottom half off to stick it into your cake. Put your wheels on... crush some oreos for your coal and tada you have your train cake. After I made it I had to keep telling myself that I am not a professional cake maker and that I am just a mom.... but everyone was impressed with the cake so that was cool and it tasted oh so good which is all that really counts anyway. :) (not sure if my instructions are easy to follow but I thought I would share.)

I also made mini doughnuts. I stacked two in a cupcake liner. I also dipped oreos in chocolate and made railroad signs. They tasted sooo good!

The Cake and Mini Doughnut Platform: Aimee with The Beach Barn made this beautiful cake platform. It was such a beautiful addition to the party! I think it made my cake look a bit more polished.   http://thebeachbarn.blogspot.com/

The TABLES: I decorated the inside of a suitcase to hold the plates and napkins and made a railraod sign.

THE GOODIE BAGS: We had two sets of goodies. One for the kids to open at the beginning and one to take home. The first one I used blue bandannas and tied them up like hobo bags. Inside I had a train hat, a train whistle, and a chocolate coin for train fare.

The Other goodie bags. I made to look like little luggage. They turned out great! Inside I had Cracker Jacks, pixie sticks, and train cookies that came inside cute little cardboard train boxes  from: http://www.trainparty.com

Me and my sweet boy! (photo taken by Jenner Rose Photography)

OUR PARTY GUESTS: They are always what make our parties the most fun! My husband and I are so fortunate to have such wonderful family and friends. All of our friends joined us and even some family from out of state were able to make it out for Jude's special day!

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS DAY WONDERFUL!!
Check out my video of all the party guests.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com