The first party was our end-of-the-school-year Preschool Bash, held at our house. It's a simple party to host - every parent brought a snack and an activity. We had such a fun year; it was great to be able to celebrate together.
I always forget just how much preschoolers love Don't Eat Pete.
Siblings get to come to preschool parties, so we had a houseful of kids, and occasionally spilled out to the yard.
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| planting their own seeds |
Cookie decorating is always a favorite activity.
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| alphabet cookies! |
Graham enjoyed decorating his own cookies, then snuck into the kitchen later and swiped a few extra cookies.
The following day was Aubree's school Carnival. I have fond memories of going to my own elementary school PTA carnival, and looked forward to introducing my kids to the same type of event. In my excitement, we ended up showing up 45 minutes early! We hung out in the car for a while...
Then hung out in the line for a while. Aubree, impatient to get in to the festivities, sat on the steps with her hands on her cheeks. Graham mimicked her posture and I was almost quick enough to capture it on camera.
We knew the Carnival would be a hit when the first thing we found was the Schwan's Ice Cream man handing out free ice-creams!
Of course, the kids enjoyed all the typical Carnival booths, and walked away with a bag full of junk prizes.
Bryce was happy with his pirate face-paint...
While Thane opted for a tattoo.
Bouncy houses and slides are also a favorite activity.
While the big kids were sliding and bouncing, Graham found bubbles. He understood the general idea of trying to blow, but usually ended up with a mouthful of soap instead.
Did I mention the treats?
Sticky, sticky treats.
Finally, we reached Thane's long anticipated Super-Hero Birthday party. I first offer my kids the option of a birthday party when they turn four. Initially, Thane was thrilled with the idea, but as the date drew closer, he'd regularly change his mind. I did not mind either way, but eventually we got close enough that he had to make a final decision. It was a difficult choice, but finally he decided that he did (kind of) want a party.
When the kids arrived, the first thing they did was choose a superhero cape and mask, and we personalized them with the first letter of their names. (FYI - I do not suggest waiting till the night before the party to try to finish making said capes and masks....your glue gun will die, your sewing machine will jam, and you will want to cry.)
Could these Super Kids be any cuter?
Next it was lunch time. The kids dined on "Hero Sandwiches," "Ka-pow Fruit Ka-bobs" (minus the sticks, since I only thought I had some), "Crunch! Chips," "Kryponite" (green jello jigglers - an all-around favorite), with "Punch!" and "Dynamite Juice" to drink.
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| Aubree helped make the tall building centerpieces |
The weather cooperated and we were able to head outside for Super-Hero training and games. I had the kids practice their super hero powers like leaping over tall buildings (making use of Aubree's centerpieces), flying (jumping through a hula hoop), and dodging bullets (aka bouncy balls).
Another favorite game/training was Jump the River, which is essentially just two pieces of rope that get slowly moved further apart.
Some of the kids were super jumpers. By the way, you know you live in Washington when it's 70 degrees and all the kids are, "Dying!" because it's, "Just SO hot!"
Finally it was time for cake and ice-cream and opening presents. This cake should have been simple to make, but I came very close to hurling it against the wall on a number of occasions.
Despite his initial reluctance, Thane ended up having a great time with his friends and was glad he'd decided to have a party.
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