The Big Party

I could probably work on this post forever...

We had Peter's Birthday Party on Sunday, August 28th at 4pm.  Hurricane Irene ripped through the area on Saturday, 8/27 and left us without power and with a yard full of debris.  My parents had graciously volunteered to come up for the whole weekend to help us get ready.  So they weathered the storm with us then pulled some serious clean up crew to make it happen.  It was a day of beautiful weather and I think everyone was excited to be together and outside after the storm.

We wanted to have a really big birthday party for Peter this year as a celebration of 4.  We wanted it to be for him and his friends but also for our friends... sort of as a thank you!

After considering lots of options, the Fun Bus showed up in front of our house!  :)

Perfect... 

a BUS (Peter's first vehicle love) with FITNESS FUN inside (a lot of our days have been all about exercise at PT and OT)

Nee Nee showed up to deliver the cake and hugs to her boy and girl!  

We missed you for all of the party, Nese!

Peter begrudgingly had his picture taken before getting on the bus.  ;)

Some girlies excited to get on!

 the view on the inside

 handsome *BIRTHDAY BOY*

having fun!

 and pretty sister

Landon, in blue, is the "baby" I babysat before Lily was born.
Catherine, in coral, is a twinie of my friend, Blair, who I walk/run with.
(we've been in small group with their parents for the past 5 years)

 Sliding off the bus!

 And the backyard was all set up.  The adults got to catch up in the backyard while the kids were on the bus... another bonus of the bus!


I can see why fancy people have photographers at kid's bday parties... I feel like these pics don't capture all of the details that I would like them too.  It was my first big kid party to really think through all the details and plan out (well, except getting a new camera that is...  It was an after the fact, 'oh, you have a camera, can I take quick pics with it?' instead of really capturing the little touches).  It was all SOOO fun, one of my favorite days recently, to have all of our favorite people around us (minus our siblings).  I'm always torn in these situations b/t wanting to socialize with our friends, see the kids, finish getting the food ready.  Thankfully, our moms took on the role of hostess and took care of all the last minute food prep and clean up.

We also had LOTS of balloons (thanks to my dad!) but you can't see them in most pics.  :(


 I put brown paper, crayons, and cars on all the kid tables.

And drew a little road map on them for the cars.

THE CAKE:

(thanks Mom for ordering it!).

By the end of the evening, we'd convinced 3 houses worth of neighbors to come over and join us!  We were all without power and we had lots of burgers and food that needed to be consumed.  It was good to all be together!

 A day and evening full of memories and so fun to celebrate our four year old!