Samuel's birthday

Well, yeah, it's a little late. Samuel's birthday was November 11th, but I am making an attempt to at least document a few important events, even if they happened last year. This was definitely an important event! In our family we only do "friend" parties for age 5, 8, and 12. So yes, this was a big one for Samuel. We took advantage of his having a birthday on a holiday (Veteran's Day, no school) and booked a party at Frankie's Fun Park. This was totally new territory for us, I've always felt like that was kind of a cop-out way to give a party, but that's what Samuel really wanted, and the thought of cramming all these 8 year old boys in my little house was a little too overwhelming, so we conceded. All things considered, it wasn't really that expensive. We stuck to our limit and didn't open our wallets any more...the boys were each given a certain number of tokens, and when they were gone, they were gone. Luckily there was a huge climbing net/playset thing, so the boys kept busy the whole time. Here's Samuel waiting for the laser tag game. Is he handsome or what?

Why do boys have to make such weird faces when you try and take their pictures?
Seriously? That's Samuel's friend Arush. The Spencer in the back giving the classic thumbs-up sign.
Owen, probably the sweetest boy ever. From a family that is pretty near perfect. I would hate them if they weren't so darn loveable. Plus the mom makes homemade chocolates and lets me have some. "Nuff said.
Here's the climbing net thingie. Super fun for kids and moms alike, but not fun when you can't find Lizzy, but you can hear her calling, "I need to go potty!"

Two boys and Lizzy. Yes, her tights were a little wet at this point.

Cute picture of Lucy! We even cropped it and used it on a Christmas card.

OK, I had serious doubts about feeding this many boys lunch, but I have to say it was my favorite part of the day. Up to this point, the kids had been in all directions, and just keeping track of them was crazy! It didn't feel like a birthday at all, no chance for them to really talk to Samuel or honor him as the birthday boy, or do anything except entertain themselves. However, everything changed when the boys sat down. They all wanted to sit like this, in a row, with Samuel right in the middle. There was a mix of church friends and school friends, and they all got along great.
Again, characteristically, Owen looking sweet, Simon looking strange, Spencer with thumbs-up. Samuel just glad to be there.

Arush, sit down. Sheesh.

The cake was from scratch but decidedly quite lame. I was also mistaken, I thought goodie bags were included but they were not. It wasn't a big deal, a great time was had by all. Happy (much belated) birthday Samuel!