Life's Lessons: Birthday party!

Katherine had a GREAT birthday party! I counted 34 kids in total, and then one of our neighbors stopped by (which was a family of 5 kids) so the total was actually more like 39 kids (granted they have 15 month old twins, but still). LOL!! We had her party at an indoor playground -- they have swing sets, a basketball court and air hockey. It was such a great place for the kids to play and run off a little energy with friends.

I'm not just saying this, I HONESTLY mean it... The party couldn't have gone better. The kids were amazing -- there were no fights, no disagreements, no pushing, no crying, no outbursts of any kind. They patiently waited to take turns going down slides, and when it came to cake, ice cream and juice boxes, they sat at the tables and chatted away. The room that we ate cake in and opened gifts in, was really cramped and hot too. There were no complaints! No fighting over who got more ice cream or the first piece of cake. Literally, they were angels!

I actually had several parents stop me on the way out of the door commenting how fun it was, how great the kids were, and how brave I was for inviting so many kids.

Katherine was in her element. She had so much fun playing with her friends and being the center of attention!

The one drawback to this kind of party -- I don't have a single picture of the four of us. Actually, I don't have a picture of either Matt or I and not a single one of the kids together. In fact, I was too busy talking with the other parents and trying to make sure that the kids were OK, that I didn't even think of pulling out my camera until I saw Danyel with hers -- and at that point the party was half over!

Here's the pics I do have (and I'll put a link to the slide show Danyel made soon) --

I know I've said it a million times before, but Caleb is his Pop-pop's boy. He just adores my dad and they have the best time together. My dad was teaching him how to go down the slides faster -- which I'm sure I'll thank him for later! LOL. Here are the boys!

Katherine with Madeline and Jenna -- both neighbor girls.

Katherine and Jenna.

With Lindsay -- a girl from dance who lives close (about 2 blocks) to us who will also be in Katherine's kindergarten class in the fall.

This is Nicholas -- one of Katherine's best friends, and Caden's older brother. They are in preschool together.

This is the view in the attached party room. We were in the process of trying to set up another table because all the kids wouldn't fit around this one.

Katherine and Madeline.

Opening gifts -

My brother, Isaac, bought Caleb a gift so that he'd have something to open as well. How thoughtful is that??? He bought him some Lightening McQueen magnets that Caleb LOVES and carries everywhere. It totally made his day!