The invitation. I am super proud of it! I made it myself. I started looking all over the internet for one to buy but couldn't find anything near what was in my head (I wanted it to look like the Big Hero 6 movie poster). So I decided to just make it myself. Keagan was all about pretending to be Hiro for the picture. (p.s. if you have not seen this Disney movie, you really should. It is super cute.)
We had some awesome party-goers. Minus Finley who was in rare-form all party long. And not awesome rare-form. He wouldn't take a group picture, and in fact didn't want his picture taken the whole party. He cried and whined and had a horrible attitude the whole time, too. It really was frustrating...but Keagan didn't seem phased (that could tell you something, either he is used to his brother's behavior or Keagan is a saint - it isn't the latter). In retrospect, Josh and I decided Finn was confused because last year we did a joint party so they both had their own cake, they both got presents, they both got attention...but it was at the same party. Finn is a smart little boy, but he has a really tough time rationalizing through things. And he doesn't do well, at all, when things don't go his way. Keagan's party was just that. I am so thankful that all of the people that were there are used to our family and kids so it wasn't a total shock with Finn's behavior. I remarked at one point that Every Party has a Pooper. Finn was our Party Pooper.
From L to R: Ryker, EJ, Annie, Hudson, Levi, Ethan, Reagan, Keagan, and Loch
The party was at Maggie's Jungle Golf (miniature golf). We had no idea how this would go, but it went beautifully and smoothly. The kids all took turns and played nice with each other. They weren't rude to the other people playing. They even took a break half-way through for cake and presents.
I must pause here to say that I was nearly 36 weeks pregnant at the party. It was super hot. I have struggled royally with the heat this summer/pregnancy and you can tell with the giant sweat band above my belly. So forgive it. Some people make pregnancy look glamorous. I have not managed that this go-round.
Dana, Ethan and EJ's mom, is also expecting. She is about a month behind me. She managed to look cool despite the hot temps. I may or may not be jealous of that and the fact that her belly is nice and compact while I am taking up all kinds of space!
Me and Kristen...she is Hudson, Loch and Ryker's momma.
Photo-op by the pretty blue hydrangeas. My belly is trying to eat Stacey... ha!
Oh this sweet child! I struggle with the fact that he is SIX years old now. Really, it has flown. He should still be my teeny-tiny babe. But he isn't. He is a big boy, and he makes his momma and dad so very proud.
Reagan photo-bomb!!
Too cool for school...sweet Abigail!
This birthday cake was awesome! To us, the cake makes the party. And this cake was everything we hoped for. Keagan loved it. It was tasty and looked EXACTLY like the picture we sent the lady!! Very pleased! Keagan wanted a chocolate cake, so we did the top chocolate and the bottom vanilla. And buttercream frosting with fondant decorations.
Our built-in Party Pooper was mad because he really, really wanted to eat the Baymax character on the top. We wouldn't let him because it was Keagan's to eat once we got home. It was made of fondant over rice crispy treat. And when we got home, Keagan decided it wasn't very good and didn't want to eat it. I don't think Finley liked it either, but by-golly that child was going to put a dent in it just because.
You may be thinking: Just give the kid what he wants and save face. We definitely pick our battles with this child, but there was no way we were going to give in and give him what he wanted because he screamed for it. It wasn't his party. There has to come a time when he will learn. ... Right?!
Finn did finally quiet down a bit once he got some cake, which he promptly shoveled in. Momentary peace...
Stacey took a lot of pics for me, this one cracks me up of her child! Why the long face, Annie?!!
Present time! I love how interested all the kids are in what their friend is getting. And I LOVE that Keagan enjoys each.and.every.gift and gets so excited!
This t-shit is from Stacey. It is adorable. It says: Ask Me About my T-Rex. Then inside is a t-rex head...Keagan demonstrated for me the other morning.
Our sweet (and growing) family. I tried to put my arm around Finn, he told me not to touch him and that he wasn't going to smile. Lovely.
I believe everyone had a great time. After we cleaned up and I got the boys in the van to head home, Finley told me he had the best day ever. I was stunned, and still highly irritated with him, and I muttered a reply that I would hate to be around him for a bad day then. It was that rough!
Keagan chose donuts for his birthday breakfast on his actual birthday. He got to use the special birthday plate. This caused a minor issue with Finley (which is becoming more typical) but I used a birthday party plate for him and he was happy. And wanted me to take his picture, too. It is a darn good thing that child is cute!! That evening we let Keagan open his presents from his Grandma and Grandpa in Texas and Great Grandma Gail in California. Then we took him to a Japanese steak house for dinner. The boys LOVED the food and Keagan especially loved the royal treatment he got for being the Birthday Boy!
Gotta love a little brother who is ALWAYS in the mix. Luckily Keagan is a good big brother and just takes it in stride. I guess he has never really known a difference. Moments like this I am incredibly thankful for Keagan's sweet and sensitive nature.
Books from Great Grandma Gail! These boys LOVE books!
Grandma (and Grandpa?) always themes her gifts and it is fun to open them! This year Keagan got all kinds of fun stuff for swimming in his pool, including a disco light that floats in the pool for night swimming!
Keagan got so excited when the staff at the restaurant started singing and coming towards him!!
I am still reeling that we have a 6 year old. As much work and planning as birthday parties are, it is so much fun to spoil this child on his special day. He makes us proud, and it is so enjoyable watching him enjoy his friends, cake, and presents. We are so thankful for the sweet little friends that come year after year to help us celebrate Keagan!
(Now party planning is in full swing for Finley...but I am still kind of bitter over the way he acted at Keagan's! And am really hoping people come to his party after seeing his behavior!!!!!)