Grave Digger Monster Truck Birthday Party and Cake

Well, it was Monster Trucks and Hot Wheels last year. For this birthday, Monster Jam was still the big thing.  For his last birthday cake, I took the easy way out and used toy Hot Wheel cars and monster trucks.  So this time, I made the Grave Digger myself and it was really the focal point of the cake.  Honestly the two tiered, chocolate cake was a bit of an afterthought.  I had ordered some edible Monster Jam logos, thinking that I would do cupcakes, but I made the cake at the last minute to stick them on.  Slop on some chocolate "mud" and throw some buttercream flames at the base to engulf the cake, and there you have it.



The actual Gravedigger came together fairly quickly and easily.  I'd say the hardest part was the wheels.  I used crispy treats and I really just don't love that as a medium, not the way I did it anyway.  I covered them with buttercream and fondant, and then hand painted the rest of the details.  That was it!

I have to say, this is one of the easiest, most laid back birthday parties I've ever thrown together at the last minute, and by last minute, I mean putting cake together a couple of hours prior and running into Walgreens at my arrival time for ice cream!  I ALWAYS end up throwing things together at the last minute!  These birthday deadlines just sneak up on me!  I'll never be that Pinterest mom with the perfectly planned, themed event.  At least the cakes always taste good, and the kids always like whatever we come up with.

Anyway, back to the party.  It was a swimming party in the middle of a long, cold, Nebraska winter, hence the super casual bathing suit/snow gear dress code.  Not everyone gets to do that.  I'm thankful to be able to do the little things like that, the things our kids will always remember.  I'm also thankful that they are so grateful for my minimal efforts!