Birthday parties

We did something different this year. We usually combine the kids b-day parties and just have one big one here. Now that there are so many kids and they are getting bigger every time we see them, we decided to do a really small family birthday party, with just our immediate family members and my grandparents, and then a kid party at an outside facility. We hadn't done this before because it just always seemed so expensive. But after this year, I don't think we will ever go back to having all the kids here. It was awesome!!

Not only did Donovan and Reese love it, but Tom and I loved it too because all we had to do was write the check. Seriously the easiest thing ever. We had it at Bounce-U and the nice thing is, is that our group gets the playrooms to themselves so no sharing with bratty kids we don't know who's parents are too busy playing on their phone to supervise them.  The party was a success and you can tell by Donovan's sweaty hair in some of these pics that the kids played hard. There were two party assistants that helped the kids play, took care of the cake and singing, and handled all the presents. Like I said, a dream for parents used to doing it all. Instead we just got to enjoy watching the kids and visiting with some of the parents for a little (aka our friends. Why do you think we invite their kids anyway? Just an excuse for the adults to get together).

These pics are in no particular order since the blog jumbled them all up when I downloaded them.  Enjoy!

Sticking their tongues out like true spawn of their father.

See the happy smiles on these parents? Heaven.

This was the whole crew minus Colin man, William, and Charlotte.

Reese and Claire were inseparable. Claire is 5.5 yrs old and wants a little sister (that she ain't getting says her parents) so her mom told her Reese could be her little sister. I think she really took to that because they are always hand in hand or right next to each other these last few times we have hung out together. Reese is pretty brave so she challenges Claire to do some things she normally wouldn't and Claire gives Reese all her too small clothes so it is a beautiful friendship.

See the above sweaty man! That's when you know the party was a winner!