This year, Henry's birthday happened to fall on the day of a Titans pre-season game, and Barry and I decided he was old enough to go to his first game...it was the perfect opportunity.
I am SO VERY GLAD we did this, as it was one of the most memorable nights of my life to date. Henry was so wide-eyed and had so much fun...we all did...and I can't remember a time when I have been so proud of my sweet boy. He handled himself so well, and enjoyed it so much and I was so happy we had the opportunity to take him. It was a really special night.
(A little overwhelmed and very serious. When I first asked him,
"Are you having fun?" he answered, "no," and just sat there very quietly.)
"Are you having fun?" he answered, "no," and just sat there very quietly.)
(Starting to loosen up a little.)
(That's more like it! Starting to have a LOT of fun.)
(Heading home. Little guy lasted into the 3rd quarter and then quietly said,
"I want to go home." It was waaaaay past his bedtime.)
"I want to go home." It was waaaaay past his bedtime.)
(Great memories.)
On Saturday, we had our close friends and family over for Henry's dinosaur birthday party. Six months ago, when I asked him what kind of party he wanted for his birthday, he said, "Dinosaurs!" and never wavered. Until last week. When he decided he wanted a fire truck party. TOO BAD, SO SAD, little dude. You're getting dinosaurs.
Really, I think we keep our parties small and basic, by today's standards. We limit the guest list to our close friends and family...usually around 15 people. And we don't go crazy with a theme. But it is still so.much.work. Every year I say I'm never doing this again, and every year I do. Because, really? I love it. I LOVE IT! There was a time when I thought I might never have children to do this for, and I am so, so grateful for my kids and for our good health and the ability to do this for them. So although I might be complaining when I'm baking the fourth batch of dino cookies at midnight two nights before the party, I'm really thanking God in my heart for the blessing of two birthday parties to plan and execute every year.
To say that Henry and Eleanor had a blast at this party would be a huge understatement. They are both getting to an age where they really love having their friends and family around and we are so blessed to have so many people in our lives who love them. I do sometimes regret that we don't live closer to my extended family, but we have so many people right here to celebrate with us and for that we are grateful.
The dino theme was a hit with everyone and so were the cake/cupcakes and cookies. My mom made her famous baked beans, I made an Asian slaw and Barry grilled brats for the adults and hot dogs for the kids. YUMMO!
It was a lot of work, and I'm not sorry it's over, but boy-oh-boy was it fun while it lasted.
We are blessed.
(Oh, and in true fashion, I spent the day after Henry's party beginning to plan Eleanor's next one...yet another reason I'm so thankful that my kids birthdays are almost exactly six months apart!)
