Circus Themed Birthday Party (repost)

Last year, we celebrated Grace's 4th birthday in 'big top' style.  *Don't forget to come back Friday and link up your own party posts.
Without further ado...

Step right up.

And join us...

as we, welcome you to the circus.

AKA Grace's 4th birthday extravaganza.

The Big Top awaits.

Please feel free to clown around.

Or enjoy some cotton candy.

While hopped up on sugar, visit the tattoo station.  Don't worry, they are temporary, like your sugar rush.

Games more your speed? Join in a game of Bozo buckets, pin the fez hat on the elephant, walk across the 'tight rope' OR

visit the duck pond.

 
What will you win?  A goldfish, of course.

Then, join us center stage, as we sing happy birthday to the birthday girl...

And wish her well.

Help yourself to a piece of cake or a carousel cupcake.

Work off those cupcakes by testing your strength with the 1000 pound barbell.

Perhaps you are stronger than Sammy The Strongman.

Then, Madame G will read your fortunes.  I wonder what she predicts next year's birthday party theme will be?

What Madame G did predict, the pinata will soon be replaced by the super cool punch box.

Before you go, don't forget to sign the guest book with your fingerprint.

It's now official, the circus has left town.  Please make sure you take your shoes when you leave, or don't :)

Carousel Cupcakes

What better cupcake to serve at a circus party than a carousel cupcake.

There are so many baking blogs I follow that will be incredibly disappointed to learn my cupcakes were made from a box.

There, I've said it.

I've never claimed to be a baker.  Believe me, I am sure my guests were happy I didn't attempt to make these from scratch :)

Here is how you can make these 'semi-homemade' carousel cupcakes.

Supplies needed:
Animal Crackers {perhaps you don't need the industrial sized tub of animal crackers}
Cupcakes {feel free to show me up and make your cupcakes from scratch}
Icing
Cocktail umbrellas

To decorate:
Ice the cupcakes.  Arrange 3 animal crackers upright around the perimeter of the cupcake. Add a cocktail umbrella to the middle.

Isn't everything better with a cocktail umbrella? 

Be warned:  If you make the mistake of inviting some rambunctious neighbor boys over, to enjoy a carousel cupcake, make sure they don't use the cocktail umbrellas as weapons :)

*You may also enjoy, Mental Party Pictures from a Circus Party.