{The Tale of Two Parties}
Ryan turned 8 at the beginning of the month. 8. I still can't really believe it. 8 is almost half way to being a full-grown human. INSANE.
On Monday, Ryan and I celebrated just the two of us (daddy was out of town). He wanted "chicken on the bone" so we went on a mommy-Ryan date to Strouds. So. Good. We ate until we wished we were wearing stretchy pants...maybe that was just me. Then pushed the fullness limits to enjoy awesome dirt-cup cupcakes for dessert. I love a good challenge, especially when it comes to eating!
This year, Tyler and I had lengthy debates about what we should do to celebrate Ryan's birthday. We finally decided on tackling a friends party in addition to our traditional family party. This was Ryan's third birthday with us, but the first time we were going to invite friends from school, the neighborhood, and sports. Parties with friends make me nervous...would anyone come? This was a huge leap of faith for me and, thankfully, all ended well {see below}
We started on Saturday with the family party. It was camping themed and so, so fun! It was a great opportunity to step back and realize, once again, how blessed we are. A downside was that Ryan had gone to the dentist on Thursday and because of Novocain he spent much of that evening biting his lip. The result was a gnarly busted lip. Poor buddy's smile is pretty weak in most of these pictures!
I love throwing a party- especially the decor and treats! It'sstressful, overwhelming, FUN searching for ideas and seeing a vision come to life.
He was totally spoiled by so many awesome gifts!
On Monday, Ryan and I celebrated just the two of us (daddy was out of town). He wanted "chicken on the bone" so we went on a mommy-Ryan date to Strouds. So. Good. We ate until we wished we were wearing stretchy pants...maybe that was just me. Then pushed the fullness limits to enjoy awesome dirt-cup cupcakes for dessert. I love a good challenge, especially when it comes to eating!
This year, Tyler and I had lengthy debates about what we should do to celebrate Ryan's birthday. We finally decided on tackling a friends party in addition to our traditional family party. This was Ryan's third birthday with us, but the first time we were going to invite friends from school, the neighborhood, and sports. Parties with friends make me nervous...would anyone come? This was a huge leap of faith for me and, thankfully, all ended well {see below}
We started on Saturday with the family party. It was camping themed and so, so fun! It was a great opportunity to step back and realize, once again, how blessed we are. A downside was that Ryan had gone to the dentist on Thursday and because of Novocain he spent much of that evening biting his lip. The result was a gnarly busted lip. Poor buddy's smile is pretty weak in most of these pictures!
I love throwing a party- especially the decor and treats! It's
Ryan was overjoyed when we sang to him (center-of-attention/only child syndrome!).
It was an awesome night!
After the last guests had departed and Ryan was tucked in bed (he was so exhausted from all the fun), we began disassembling the camping party and prepping Ryan's Nerf War.
Sunday came quickly. We didn't know what to expect. I over planned activities and had a schedule that I shared with Tyler again and again. Down to the minute. Finally, 1:00 rolled around and kiddos began showing up. We got the gear passed out (eye protection is a must) and kids filtered out into the backyard. The party took care of itself. About a dozen kids transformed our backyard into a war zone. They laughed. They played. My schedule was forgotten. We enjoyed watching them play until it was time for cake and presents, both of which were finished quickly in anticipation of getting back outside.
All of our nervousness was forgotten and I feel so pleased that we took the leap of faith and did a friends party. It helped normalize our life. Our life that often seems so chaotic and un-normal.
Sunday came quickly. We didn't know what to expect. I over planned activities and had a schedule that I shared with Tyler again and again. Down to the minute. Finally, 1:00 rolled around and kiddos began showing up. We got the gear passed out (eye protection is a must) and kids filtered out into the backyard. The party took care of itself. About a dozen kids transformed our backyard into a war zone. They laughed. They played. My schedule was forgotten. We enjoyed watching them play until it was time for cake and presents, both of which were finished quickly in anticipation of getting back outside.
All of our nervousness was forgotten and I feel so pleased that we took the leap of faith and did a friends party. It helped normalize our life. Our life that often seems so chaotic and un-normal.
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