Wasn't That a Party!

Christopher turned EIGHT earlier this month, but with crazy schedules, we couldn't have a birthday party right away. He graciously agreed to share his day with his niece Gracie, who turned ONE, and we finally got it scheduled for this Saturday.

Another major hurdle turned out to be picking the theme. What fits both an 8-year-old boy and a one-year-old girl? He finally decided he wanted Spiderman, so we made Gracie (who I always call "Bug") his sidekick, Ladybug Girl.

Cupcakes are so much easier than a cake:

without frosting

and with.

I knew the kids wouldn't sit long for a craft, but it's nice to have something available for those who get there first, so we had the makings of superhero masks. 

We also had "Hello My Name Is" name tags, and a superhero name generator, in case you didn't already know your superhero (or supervillain) name. I went with "Mom". I'll let you decide if that's hero or villain.

The kids all love playing outside, so it was struggle to pull them in to eat. The promise of cupcakes and ice cream helped!

Will she make a mess?

Was there really any question?

One friend brought bubbles for Logan and Sheridan, too, and Logan just could NOT wait to use his!

I don't remember what J. was telling me so earnestly, but I remember it was very important.

Presents!

Gracie, of course, taste-tested everything.

This was from a teaching assistant at Christopher's school - I think she's looking forward to summer break, too!

They both had lots of help getting everything open.

SOMEbody kept trying to steal my baby, even though she has four very cute ones of her own. 

Finally back outside! I am SO glad we live where they can just run around in the shade and be kids.

Bubbles and squirt guns, of course, help keep it nice and cool.

This is the first of three outfits Sheridan went through.

Logan kept telling people sweetly, "Come here, I have something for you!" - and then shooting them.

This is probably my favorite picture of the day: Loving mother using her oldest child as a human shield.

I think everyone had a good time. At least one was as exhausted by the end as I was:

Happy Birthday Christopher and Gracie!