Chaletmomma

when i was growing up the 2nd week in August was always vacation. it was the only week my attorney father would take off - because that was the week the courts were closed. so off we went and although the destination may have changed the accommodations never did.

we stayed at Howard Johnson's.

i love these old advertisements.

not only did we stay at HoJo's when we traveled but, there was a location about 30 minutes from home and it was a favorite dining spot of dad's. yum for HoJo burgers!

i have a Pinterest board devoted to HoJo.

there wasn't anything that the didn't have their logo on. they sold ice cream, chewing gum, toys, games - below is a piggy bank.they created the marketing we take as commonplace in 2018.

did you ever stay at Howard Johnson's? please share your recollections in the comments.

i know my love of orange and turquoise can be traced back to Howard Johnson! hahaha!

til next time.

it tough when your birthday falls during summer break - so even though Liam's birthday isn't until the end of the month we celebrated this past weekend.

when asked what theme he wanted he didn't hesitate to reply Spy!

here he is ready to party with a glow in the dark magnifying glass on his face - wearing the tshirt i made using Avery Fabric Transfers #8938 iron-on decals. lol that was an experience... if you don't know i am not a DIYer!!!

i knew the theme tie-in would largely be conveyed through the cake, invitations, favors and thank you tags. i found Lori Cubel's shop Party Place on Etsy.

i wanted scratch-offs on the invitation and thank you tags. Lori quickly created exactly what i envisioned. since you all know what a sharer i am - let me introduce you - Lori told me she started out designing for herself - her children's parties and for other family events.

"Guests at our parties were always asking where I got my party goodies and when I told them I designed them myself... they asked if I would make some for their parties too and they paid me! "

she left her 9-5 job in photography and graphic design in 2008 and opened her Etsy shop.

"I feel very blessed to be able to help my customers celebrate all their happy occasions and celebrations... new babies, birthdays , weddings and holidays"

Lori is offering the chaletmomma family a discount. enter code chaletmomma at checkout to receive 10% off your entire order.

for the second year in a row we held the party at Glow House Kids - you know what they say - if it ain't broke... Liam loves it there - running around in the dark playing games while music plays - what's not to love about that.

laser tag was a huge hit! literally!

he is so happy - pure joy!

after 1-1/2 hours it was time to gather the revelers for a group shot! the colors are so great!

every kiddo went home with a Glow House Kids water bottle, a pair of spy glasses, an invisible pen, a stack-able crayon and their cool glow ring! (Liam hasn't noticed i took his ha!)

our happy family!