Benjamin's Birthday Party

A mid-December birthday leads itself to some trouble when it comes to party planning. My aunt (whose daughter shares Benjamin's birthday) had warned that some of her parties turned in to a babysitting service while the parents went out to finish shopping and stuff. That, coupled with the fact that most people are just too busy all around, we decided to put off Benjamin's party until January. He's been talking about his "green soldier" party for almost a year now, and being his first real birthday party, we didn't want to let him down. He wanted to invite his class and a few other special friends. As luck would have it, his three "special girls" were able to come - Maeric, Maya, and Evangeline. (I really think that we didn't really need to invite anyone else,

but live and learn, right?) We started the party off with some coloring while we waited for all the guests to arrive.

Then we moved in to the front room to take the Basic Training oath,

and play Toy Story BINGO.

All the excitement, Bum-Bum needed a little rest.

(Is it wrong that this is my favorite picture from the party?) After a little "Sergeant Says",

the General took the kids on an obstacle course through the house.

We had a little award presentation for each child having completed their basic training.

Next it was on to cake and ice cream. (Benjamin was sure to save a seat for his Evangeline.)

And last, but certainly not least, the presents.

Little nerve-wracking. Everybody wanted to help and Benjamin was tearing through his presents before I could tell what was in what bag. And he stood with his back to the camera the whole time, so we got no reaction pictures. Ah, well... He had a wonderful time - easy to tell with Smiley. You could just tell he was so happy, and that makes it all worth it.

Putting him to bed I asked what his favorite part of the day was. He said, "The presents. And having Evangeline over to my house." And then he drifted off to sleep with a giant smile on his face.

Abby was holding her own throughout the party. She loved being right in the middle and doing what the big kids were doing. I'd say her favorite part was probably the goodie bag, though. She got out all her suckers, removed all the wrappers, would stick them in her mouth, then put them on the floor, to get the next one out. After they were all covered in hair and carpet fuzz, she still carried them all around sucking on one as needed.

Oh, and for what it is worth, I talked to Noah about the party too. He said the party was a little crowded. (So surely he will want fewer kids at his party, right?) And his favorite part? The presents. Why? "Because WE got so many great new toys!" I asked if he was going to give Benjamin some of his gifts when his birthday came around. He thought for a second and said, "Well, Benjamin got a lot of nice presents, and I think he could share them with me." Well played, son.