Drew: Episode VI (Birthday Update)

This is going to be an all encompassing birthday update, his actual birthday fell on a Thursday and that meant he had to go to school.  So Wednesday night Dave and I blew up 50 balloons and put them in his room.

When he woke up on his birthday (at 5:04am I might add), the first thing out of his mouth was "Uh..... It's not 6am yet.  I'm not 6 until 6am".  We're not sure where that came from other than the fact he was told at the age of 2 he cannot get out of bed until it's 6am.

So we sent him off to school and they made him feel extra special - he came home with a birthday banner that all his classmates signed as well as a certificate from the teacher with a pencil and pad of paper.

The following week we received the birthday goody bag which included some books and a journal where we were to document what he did for his birthday with photos if we like.  They discourage any treats (food or otherwise) for birthdays.  So we skipped that this year.

After school we let him pick his choice of restaurants for dinner - although admitedly we did veto his first choice of McDonalds.  Plan B was Applebees.  After dinner we came home to sing Happy Birthday and give him his birthday cupcake.  He never did eat it.. Daddy and I polished it off a couple days later.

Because of our crazy schedules we had Drew's 6th birthday party on Sunday.  The theme was Star Wars - Episode VI to be specific.  Because we're lucky enough to have decent weather in the early/middle of September we opt to have his parties at the park so the kids have something to do and it's relatively pain free for Dave and I - as our place is kind of tiny.

This year was no exception.  The party started at 2:00 so I just had some snacks out for everyone

On the table you see: Wookie Watermelon, Ewok Nibbles, Death Star Dip, Boba Fett's Booty and Fruit Sabers.

To drink we offered Jedi Juice

 

This was a "new to us" park in a neighboring city.  The only  bummer was the splash park wasn't working.  The kids didn't seem to care.

Some of the kids - 

 L-R: Charlize, Zionna, Drew, Troy, Christopher

Best buds since Drew was born, Drew & Troy

Aunt Connie and Cousin Avery

 My family protecting the table from "invaders" (kids from a nearby party kept trying to join our shindig and the parents were rudely washing their feet at our tables).
L-R: Uncle Matt, Cousin Adrina, Grammy, and Cousin Kady

Uncle Doug and GrampC trying to find some shade

I also won a House Party for the new BeyBlade BeyWarriors  sets.  This Party Pack gave us 2 arenas and 6 figures so the kids (some older than others) a chance to battle.  Our guests got some discount coupons as part of the party pact and codes for the new App the kids can play on tablets/smartphones.

I have to say the BeyWarriors which have arms and faces seem to be more fun for the kids than the original BeyBlades - which are essentially spinning tops that "fight".

Back to the Birthday Party... as I mentioned the theme was really Star Wars.  Things are so crazy busy for me I opted not to make the cake this year, and we just ordered the edible image to put on the store bought cake.  I think it turned out great!

After some more playing at the park it was time to open gifts.  He was so excited to open the one from Grammy and GrampC which was a new Shel Silverstein book of poems (Everything on It)

He was so excited in fact he wanted to read it to his friends instead of opening gifts.

Mean parents we were we made him move on.  Then he got to Uncle Matt's Birthday card. All of the kids loved it! 

What you can't tell in that picture is it's a musical card asking Drew to blow out the "light up" candles.  All of the kids were trying to blow out all the candles - a little spit may have flown around in the attempt to extinguish those candles.  Drew continued to open presents and kids were continuing to play with that card.

And then came the card from Aunt Connie and Uncle Doug. It sang to him...

... even saying "Andrew".  After reading and listening to the whole card Drew so excitedly announced "It knows my name!"  A big chuckle from the crowd.

Another successful party in the books.  Hopefully moving into the coming years we'll be able to invite more school friends, since we're done changing schools for awhile.  Because of where Drew's birthday falls in September, we just don't want to be "one of those" parents sending birthday invites at the first day of school to virtual strangers.