s+j=n+p+e+c: PARTY!

08 July 2012

PARTY!

Since the boys' birthdays are so close, we decided to have one big party for them this year with both friends and family (last year, N. had two parties--one with friends and one with family). We had it at the park down the road that is so nice and shaded. I was worried about the heat, but there was a nice breeze, and it turned out perfect. We made hand-cranked homemade vanilla ice cream that we ate and ate and ate. We let the kiddos run around and play, then we did cake and presents, and before you knew it the party was already over. Most of N.'s friends were able to come, and he had a blast and felt so special. I felt like it went by so fast--and was trying to balance my time between the boys, my friends, and our family. Thanks to my mom and S.'s mom for helping with P. and taking lots of pictures to make up for the ones I didn't take--between the three of us, we got some great pictures. Thanks for everyone for coming! We had fun!!!

Homemade ice cream time

Opa helping with the crankin'...

We were so glad Uncle Mikes and Aunt Aubrey were able to come--they were in town from Austin!

N. being uncooperative with picture taking, but enjoyed his ice cream...

My sweet husband, who was also being uncooperative with picture taking, but hand-cranked most of the ice cream himself--a 2 gallon freezer and 1 1/2 gallon freezer!

Everyone enjoying ice cream before the cake:)

More party guests...

Laney and her family...(we've known them since N. was about 6 months old)

Enjoying time with cousins, Ashton and Caleb, and aunt Kenna...

Cake--So N. was very specific this year about his cake--he wanted a train cake with his name on it, so luckily I had Oma, who knows how to decorate cakes, and has all the supplies and expertise to help me make their cakes. She came up the day before and saved the day by helping--the big rectangle cake was in pieces when she tried to flip it, but she saved it--she also did all the decorating except for the writing--I actually did that:) Thanks so much Oma for making his birthday so special!

Singing Happy Birthday--N. got shy while we sang, and the wind blew out his candles the first time, but the second time he blew them out and made his wish--later I asked him what he wished for, and he said he made three wishes, and they all came true!

Being totally shy...

P.'s cake--so he wasn't too sure about it--he first pulled the candle out and played with that, then I basically had to force feed him a bite, and then he decided it was yummy:)

N. received tons of awesome presents--thanks so much for everyone's generosity--he was one happy boy!!!

After the party, our families came back to our place for dinner and to hang out. Then we had P. open his presents! P. liked pulling the tissue paper out...