A Diesel Locomotive Birthday Party

So way back in September, I put together a birthday party for Micah featuring diesel locomotives. In case you didn't know, it is impossible to find diesel-themed party decor that isn't Chuggington-related. While there are zillions of adorable printables and party supplies for steam locomotives, Micah's heart belongs to modern diesel freight engines.

After a lot of searching, I found an illustration to use for the invitation. The graphic wasn't free, but it was exactly what I was looking for. After little time in Photoshop, voila. Invitation.

For the decorations, it was time to call in....Grandpa.

My dad is into model trains. He hasn't had a layout in years, but you'd better believe he still has most of his rolling stock. Actually, he's partly responsible for getting Micah hooked to begin with. It was HIS dusty old 1990 edition of Model Railroad Magazine that kicked things into gear and HE'S the one who bought Micah his very own subscription. So when it came time to start decorating, I asked my dad to dig into his stash.

There were trains and a lantern for the mantle.

And trains for the pass-through.

And teeny tiny trains by the cupcakes.

Since my sister got the food decorating skill and I emphatically did not, I wasn't about to attempt some sort of fancy train cake. Instead, I made train sign cupcake toppers using road signs I downloaded from the FHWA. And then totally forgot to photograph the backs, which said "Happy Birthday, Micah" and were also adorable.

Instead of lovingly crafting some sort elaborate table centerpiece, I poured a nice big glass of wine, got into the kids' craft paint and butcher paper, and made a rail yard for the food while Todd watched "American Ninja Warrior."

Todd painted up some boxes to make coal cars for a bean bag toss. Micah requested they be blue and red.

We went diving in the construction dumpster next door and made a railroad crossing sign for the driveway. I spent more time than was necessary mouthbreathing over the lettering, and STILL couldn't line them up correctly. Surprisingly, no wine was involved on this one.

Grandpa and Pops put down some train tracks outside. (I unfortunately forgot to get a picture until a week later when Todd was about to pull them up.)

And for another activity (that it turned out only Micah and Aerin were interested in), I printed off coloring pages from a railfan site.

Then it was time for a party!

Micah had a blast, and I think the other kids did too. Mission accomplished!