My sister's due date is on the day of my niece's 5th birthday so we decided to celebrate a few weeks early. She chose a far-stretch theme- Totoro! For those of you who haven't seen this animated film (like myself) here's a very bief synopsis:
It’s about two sisters being raised by their father for the time being
Their mother is in the hospital
Satsuki is the big sister and is trying to run things in her mom’s stead
She makes breakfast, takes care of her little sister Mei
Basically a coming of age story
Totoro is the spirit of the forest who helps remind Satsuki that she is still a child
Gives the children hope that their mother will be alright
For the last 2 weeks my sisters have been in and out of Viet-town searching for the perfect party favors like these cute sticker and chocolate "colored pencil" set, decorations, cake toppers and other party details. They DIY'd the heck out of this party including handmade sticker Totoro cupcake toppers and a "thumb print" canvas.
The results were incredible- and the turn out a lot more than my mom's 3 bedroom apartment could bear. Isa drew a lifesize Totoro poster as a photo op backdrop. Then they taped oragami cranes to the wall and hung a Happy Birthday banner from left over party invitations which were handmade Totoro silhouettes.
We kept it simple with pizza, chips, asian salad and cupcakes and one of our very generous guests even brought a dozen assorted donuts! We put the movie on for the kids while they ate- a great way to keep multiple children busy when having a birthday party at a small location. And by the time they were done it was time take pictures and sing happy birthday! It was a great turn out for a much-deserved 5 year old. And the best presents of all? Why the Totoro snuggie and Totoro bed of course!
