Day 343/365 ~ 2012

My Super Kids ready for Super Gracie's Fifth Birthday party!
(Those capes I gave the kids for Christmas last year came in handy!)



Such a cute little crew.
A fun time was had by all!  (Matthew said it was his favorite "girl party" ever.) :)
Happy Birthday, sweet Gracie girl!!

Day 210/365 ~ 2012

Happy Birthday party day, Andrew!!!
A "Cheerful Monster Party" at Chuck E Cheese was Andrew's request.
I'm not a fan of Chuck E. Cheese.  To put it nicely.
But he really wanted his party there...and a shot at that 1000 ticket in the "ticket blaster."



Ready for the party!





The kids had a fantastic time playing games.  It was fun seeing them scurry all around with their little cups of tokens.



Lots of excitement with Chuck E. at the cake. :)



We know so many sweet little kids.



Then it was time...the moment Andrew had waited for...the Ticket Blaster!!! (Can you see his big smile in the photo?)  We had discussed a strategy before the party. Tuck in the shirt, and shove the tickets down the front of his shirt. Those tickets started swirling like crazy and I thought there's no way he'll even get one!



But he did!  He was SO happy when he got out and started pulling the tickets out of his shirt and unfolded one to find that it was the 1000 ticket!!



I was SO happy for him.
SO, so so happy.

He "bought" a plush space "Angry Bird" with his tickets and is still completely thrilled over it.
I think this will be one of those fantastic childhood memories that he won't forget.

I'm happy we went to Chuck E Cheese after all.

:)

PS.  This one's for you, Dan....

Day 209/365 ~ 2012

I love to bake.  Birthday party week means a lot of baking. 
The cake of course, and sugar cookies are part of our birthday tradition.
I loved how Andrew's cake turned out.  Fun and cheerful ~ just like my boy.



I usually watch/listen to "Pride & Predjudice" or "little women" or "Sense & Sensibility" (or all 3 depending on how complicated the cake is!)  in the evenings after the kids are down while I bake/decorate the evenings away.

This time it was "Julie & Julia."



It's a bit of work ~ but I love the smiles I get from the kids when they see their treats, and I actually really enjoy the creative outlet.  I finished these Friay night and we're ready to go for our "Cheerful Monster Party!" :)

Day 154/365~2012

Birthday party day!!!



Matthew chose a Mario themed swim party for his 9th birthday.



Matthew & His buddies...a mix of family, friends from pre school days and friends from school.



The chocolate mustaches were a hit. :)






The kids enjoyed cupcakes & ice cream & then were off to swim.  They had a great time!  (And I was quite relieved to finish our last birthday party!)



Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Day 153/365 ~ 2012

Preparations for Matthew's Mario Birthday swim party are underway!
The fun starts tomorrow at 2pm!

Day 42/365 ~ 2012

Kaitlin had a "Ballerina" Birthday party for her 4th Birthday.
Daddy gave her a corsage which he has done since she was two. 
She loves this.
He's so sweet to wear pink on her birthday.



The dessert table & favor bags.



The cake!  Oh, the cake.   White cake, each layer dyed a different shade of pink, with cookies & cream and chocolate buttercream filling.  It was a chore to make this cake!  But it turned out really fun.  I was up until 3am, which was the least amount of sleep I've gotten before a party.  I attribute that, to this cake!





Nana made the trip for the party.



As did Grammie and Grandpa...we were happy to have them all here!



Our sweet friends.  Kaitlin was SO delighted with all the people, as they were arriving she exclaimed, "Mama!  Our house is going to BURST!!" 

There was also dancing with ribbon wands....

 

Time for cake!



 

Dan took the boys bowling, and I missed sharing this moment with him.
But the boys were much happier bowling than doing ballet.



The Bug has no trouble being the center of attention.



There were lots of thoughtful, girly gifts!



When the party was over, the boys returned and we finished the day with pizza/cake with brothers and cousins.

It was a happy, happy day!!!

Day 224/365

A Cowboy Party ready for our birthday boy!
Festivities begin at 1pm tomorrow!

Day 222/365

It's birthday week!
Which means lots of errand running and crafting and baking.
My efforts have been going to make a fun birthday party for our little cowboy!

Day 155/365

An 8th Birthday Lego party for Matthew's at Big Al's.
A fun time was had by all!
When Matthew went to bed he said,
"Thank you for making that party for me, Mama."
It made all the work worthwhile.
I love you, sweet boy.
Happy Birthday!

Day 154/365

Matthew's Lego cake!
White with Cookies & Cream filling was his request.
Matthew made the "cake plate" for me.

Day 153/365

Mini Figure cupcakes made from the mold Grammie brought back from Germany.

Day 152/365

A themed sugar cookie has been a family favorite at the kids' birthday celebrations since Matthew's first birthday.  I have always loved sugar cookies and started collecting cutters and sprinkles as a newlywed.

Day 151/365

It's birthday week!
Getting ready for Matthew's Lego birthday on Saturday at "Big Al's."
I had fun taking pictures at home because of lack of time & the bowling alley is really dark.