My big internal debate this year was whether to throw C & A a birthday party with all of their friends this year or not. Last year, we skipped it for many reasons, but mostly because of their anxiety around larger groups and being the center of attention (and they both turned out to be sick the entire week of their birthday so it all worked out in the end). But, this year, C and A both asked repeatedly about what we were going to do for their birthday party this year. So...since they are doing so well at socializing at school now, and have truly made lots of new friends, I figured I'd give it a go. I talked to them about possible party locations, but in the end, we all agreed that having it here at home would be the most comfortable for them and possibly ease their nerves as the event approached. I found a highly rated petting zoo that could come and set up in our backyard, that would be a great focal point for all of the kids vs. having the attention on A & C. We also decided to invite their entire class, as even at 4 years old, feelings get terribly hurt about being excluded. Well...I didn't quite expect for nearly the entire class to be able to make it, but they did, so the party turned into planning a fun event for 30, 4 and 5 year olds (some siblings came)! As the petting zoo area could only accommodate 10 kids at a time, I decided on a game area of beach ball basketball and balloon tennis, a cupcake decorating area, a crafting area (every party needs one!) and of course a temporary tattoo table. In the end, it definitely felt like the kids weren't bored and could wander around and keep happy and fed for the entire party (score!).
A & C were SO excited about this party. In fact on Friday they might have been the happiest I have ever seen them for an entire day straight, with huge smiles on their faces. They went to school, and since nearly their entire class was coming to the party, apparently the kids talked about it all day long. When I picked them up, they just couldn't stop talking about the party. Unfortunately, the nerves started to hit poor Addison that night, when she refused to go to bed (that doesn't happen in our house that goodness!). When they awoke on Saturday morning, the huge smiles had turned to worry. Colbie pulled it together, and got dressed and helped us put up decorations and Jake was a huge help as well. Addison on the other hand, was kind of a mess. She refused to put on any clothes at all, let alone the adorable birthday shirt I bought her. While I tried to negotiate, which turned into arguing, she just became more and more anxious. So, I decided to give up the pushing if I wanted her to come to the party at all, let her wear her crazy mismatched pjs to the party, and just give her plenty of space to calm herself before the guests arrived. Just as the party started we finished putting the final details out, and guests started to arrive. It turned out to be a gorgeous day (when I booked the party, all weather forecasts predicted rain, but I just crossed all of my fingers and hoped they would be wrong!), and soon the entire backyard was filled with kids. It was all kind of a whirlwind for me, and unfortunately, there were a few moments of tears for the girls which is always hard, as it only draws more attention to them. It took the girls many hours to fully calm all nerves and relax after the party. But, by dinnertime they were asking to have the petting zoo for their party again next year already. As I put them to bed, they called me back into their room and told me that they were sorry for crying and that they appreciate me- melted my heart at the end of this crazy day!!
The decor: Rainbow theme (I've wanted to try this for years and I'm so happy I finally did it!- it reminded me of you Tia Erica!)
I finally tried only of these layered color cakes- very time consuming, but SO beautiful to cut into!
The party (sadly I wasn't about to take many pictures, but my Dad captured some of the craziness):
cupcake decorating station:
And of course, we had to celebrate Lindsay and Jonathan as well- again, Happy 5th Anniversary Jonathan and Lindsay!
