Miles' Party!

It was a g-r-e-y day, with rain continually imminent, but Miles didn't care...neither did the 19 other kids who joined him to celebrate.



Highlights:

Miles invited all of the boys in his school class and all but one was able to come. They were all so excited to hang out outside of school. It was really cute.  Ella & Jack, Heydon and Ryan, and Evan and Sydney also joined us.

We had an entire "indoor party" (ugh) planned in case it rained -- but we lucked out and held the party in our front yard/driveway/garage. The party was kicked off with a little dancing while the jumpy was being set up. As soon as it was ready, everyone piled in. Basketball and nerf guns (targets = different characters on a Mario poster) were also big hits.  We made everyone special hats as a part of the kids' favors.  The boys got Mario hats, the girls got hearts with wings. Loved seeing the sea of red hats at the party.

The chocolate Mario cake was y.u.m.  We couldn't find a Mario character cake, so we ordered a bunch of little plastic Mario Brothers characters from amazon and stuck them a nascar background cake.  Worked great (too bad I forgot to photo it).
By age 7 (at least) the kids really want to open gifts at a party.  I was surprised how many kids gathered around and watched Miles.  I was so proud of how Miles thanked everyone for his gift immediately -- and how if he reached for a gift that was from someone not near him, he would find that person and let them know he was about to open their gift.  It was so sweet (and confirmation that if you tell your kids something over-&-over-&-over-&-over-&-over again that it will eventually sink in).

Noah picked out a skateboard for Miles and Griffin was so excited about some Mario trading cards he found at Target.  Miles loved them both.

Mike surprised everyone by coming out in his gorilla/Donkey Kong costume.  It was a huge hit - Miles was so excited about it.


We're thoroughly enjoying our last 5 months with Dana & Brad before they move to China.  So glad they could join us for the party (and much of the weekend).  Brad even made his own Mario hat for the event.

Mike was away for a long weekend (a much earned getaway!) and was able to return in time to celebrate with Miles.  For that reason, I couldn't have pulled this party off without my parents!  My dad made awesome Mario posters,  picked up the cake, blew up a ton a balloons, and took a bunch of pictures (many in this email).  My mom decorated posters, helped me set-up/clean-up, and helped with the boys.  They are such AMAZING parents and grandparents.  We love you!!