Party Central

It's Christmas Time All Over the World and Birthday Time at our house.  We were going to keep things easy this year and invited 3 friends to go bowling, then come over for pizza and cake.  But, it turns out the boys have more than 3 friends so that was the Saturday party and then yesterday we had another party, decorating graham cracker houses, or pagodas because I am architecturally challenged. 

They are six years old and I have to say that this last year they have really grown up a lot.  They aren't little preschoolers anymore and it was fun to watch them interact with their friends. 

Here we are bowling!  It was hilarious.  The balls took forever to go down the alley but they loved it and cheered each other on with high-fives and hugs.  So sweet.  We all want to go back anther time soon. 

Here's Sam watching his ball roll down in utter suspense.

 

Here's the whole gang.  I drove them over in the van together and their conversation was funny too.  "Raise your hand if you're in kindergarten!"  

"Raise your hand if you've lost a tooth!"

Then Michael comes up with, "Raise your hand if you're a Republican!" and they all did!  Maybe he's on to a new slogan there.  

Michael in action.  He was great.  So outgoing.  I would never have guessed it of him two years ago when he cried every day going to preschool. 

Anna's turn!  She was adorable and even let Daddy take some of her turns.  It was a 6 lb. bowling ball but she did it and was so excited about it.  She likes being around the boys' friends and can stand up for herself. 

I think Daddy is in love. 

The gang, minus one.  This was two friends from our last neighborhood who have also moved up near us and one new friend from school. 

Then at home with pizza and orange soda the birthday party continued on strong!

My friend who was over practicing a duet for the church Christmas dinner said "I decorate cakes" so I let her and they were adorable. 

You can get a feel for the action if you watch this video.  But turn your volume DOWN - these guys are loud!  It was one of those great days, like a parent's pay day.  We are so happy our boys are healthy and strong, smart, handsome, kind, and mostly obedient.  We are so grateful to be parents and for the fun we've had together their first six years.  We know the fun is about to multiply exponentially as we move into these school years.  We were so happy all day, and all weekend. 

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Then we had another party yesterday because I had this crazy notion that they had to do something fun on their actual birthday so the primary class boys came over for an action-packed hour and a half with lots of chasing each other around the house, playing with new toys, and sugar.  In the past I've felt bad about asking people to bring gifts for two boys so we've always said "no presents" on the invitations when we've had parties, but this year we didn't and Sam and Michael loved getting some presents from their friends.  They got a lot of new board games which will be a lot of fun through the winter months. 

They have this huge primary class full of boys.  I hope they all stick around a while and become a strength to each other.  I had a hard time getting ready for this party on my own after being up late and waking up early and having some annoying Braxton Hicks contractions that were slowing me down.  I think I had a mini anxiety attach trying to make the frosting, do the dishes, and be ready for the party but I realized that I want these boys to get to know each other better and that even if they just played together it would be a fun time.  After that I finished putting the graham cracker houses together while they played and it all worked out. 

Lego happiness.

Here's a graham cracker pagoda.  Some of the boys ate more candy than they glued on their houses but others were meticulous and made some pretty nice creations. 

There were no fancy decorations from Pinterest or party favors but they had fun.  I have to pace myself the next three months until our baby comes and it's frustrating but if I don't I end up on the couch with back pain or contractions so life is what it is right now and we're all doing our best and giving Mom a lot of help!

I am so in love with Michael and Sam and looking forward to concentrating on teaching them about the True Meaning of Christmas in the coming days.  What a special time of year to have a birthday.