P-A-R-T-Y!!

We had Owen's first birthday party on Saturday June 18th from 3:30 - 6:30 at Allen and Chandra's house in East Bend.  They were gracious hosts and extremely generous to open their home up for the big celebration. As expected, Chad's entire family was able to join us.  My parents and my godparents made the trip for the day as well.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that a few of my extended family members will be able to make it for one of my kids birthday parties one of these days....either way, we always have a great time celebrating.  The majority of Chad's extended family has made the 5 hour trip down to Mt. P for three years to celebrate Payton's birthday with us.  We thought it was time to return the favor and bring the party up to them!  I'm sure we'll do this again through the years!  

The birthday party had a sailboat theme....we just realize we would actually need to bring a boat for the party to stay afloat!  We had gone through quite a dry spell in Mt. P - six weeks without rain (not that we had been counting) - so it was only fitting that as soon as the party started, the sky opened up and provided the rain that we had been praying for (Dear God - Thanks for hearing our prayers but you seem to have the wrong zip code).  When I say rain, I mean a good ole' summer afternoon thunderstorm.   

We spent about 3 or 4 hours Saturday morning setting up for the party - not counting the MANY hours Allen had spent getting their home in mint condition.  This is one of the only "pre-party" pictures I snapped.  The tent was going to be the perfect sun shade for the hot summer afternoon.

The tables were decorated with nautical decor - plastic boats, beach toys, streamers.

The badminton court was ready, there were two sets of cornhole set up for a major family tournament, the slide, pools and jump castle were ready for the kids.

 They played and the guests had fun watching.

 We brought the snacks out and Owen immediately started eating watermelon.

 And then.......the sky turned black, the radar showed a BIG storm coming....we raced against the clock to take down all the tents (5 tents total); move all the tables (6 tables); take down all the decorations and streamers, move all the gifts inside, move the food inside, secure any objects that might blow away (opps.....we forgot one set of balloons!) and move all the guests inside to snack and open gifts. 

We all worked together - and within minutes the party had been broken down and moved inside.  The tables were safe in the garage.

We thought we made it.....well, everyone but Ronnie did make it in time....Ronnie got just a little wet when he went to make sure his windows were up!

The party moved inside while the storm passed overhead.

It was a perfect chance to open presents!

 This is a card from Calyn, Carson and Payton - it is hard to see in this picture, but Payton wrote his own name.  We didn't even know he could do it until we saw the card he made with KK and Carson.

Who's party is this anyway??  Payton was equally happy with most of Owen's presents! 

Owen was really excited about of few of the outfits he got!  These are a new set of basketball shorts.

One happy birthday boy!

Owen's very own beach chair - umbrella included!  He'll be styling on the beach this summer!

You can't see it here but his big smile is directed at Brandon!  He loves Brandon!!

Addie was enjoying the party too!

And, loving the birthday boy...

.....kissing cousins?  I think they are a little to young for it to count, but if Addie keeps this up we may have to have a chat in the future!

We owe a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all of our family members who gave Owen some great presents.  I was worried about all of the presents we would receive (really, how many gifts can one family have for two boys....especially when there are so many other needs in the greater world right now).  For Payton's birthday, we requested no gifts but a donation to Water Missions International.  I didn't do this for Owen's birthday and was a little worried about all the gifts we might receive.  I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.  Owen got lots of perfect, reasonable gifts - all developmentally appropriate and great to add in to our own toy collection.  He has his first tricycle, a Scoot and Spin, a Thomas Train walk and ride toy, a wooden train, an awesome 10-in-1 wooden toy box with various items, a fun ball toy, lots of great clothes, good books, and an awesome beach chair.  I'm sure I left a few items out...too many to count!  Owen (and Payton) has been really enjoying his new toys....our biggest problem, he must think everything is a ball....I can't get him to quit throwing his new wooden blocks!  Mommy, Daddy and Payton picked a Tow Mater bubble blower and a few trucks for the birthday boy.  

After opening LOTS of birthday presents, it was time to move on to the food....North Carolina BBQ.

Cake pictures and more will follow soon!