Birthday Party Weekend Part 2-The Party!

Connor and Ava's birthdays are only 10 days apart so I knew that having a joint birthday party for them was definitely the way to go. We had their party at The Ark, a giant indoor play area inside the church where Ava goes to school. It is always a hit with the kids and the party was no exception. I didn't want to go overboard with a theme this year (and to be honest it's hard trying to come up with a theme for a 4 year old girl and a 1 year old boy) so I stuck with more of a color scheme/pattern of hot pink polka dots and navy stripes. I had a vision in my head of how I wanted things to coordinate for the party but it didn't turn out completely as planned. The polka dot wrapping paper I ordered for the tables didn't ever come in (had visions of having polka dot wrapped tables and striped wrapped tables throughout), Ava refused to wear the adorable polka dot and stripes outfit I bought her, and there were a few other minor things that truly were not a big deal. I took a deep breath and remembered that the party is not about having everything as I had envisioned. Everything ended up great in the end and most importantly Ava and her friends had a wonderful time! (Connor's teething and sleepiness made him a little more fussy than I would have hoped).

*We weren't able to get in to set up until 10 minutes before the party so in a mad dash to get everything set up I didn't take any pictures of the decorations. In fact I don't know if I took any pictures! My camera got passed around a lot so I am grateful for those people who took pictures so I have some documentation of their party!

The absolute best part of the party was our surprise guests......Brinley, Amy, and Cason!!!!!!
We had no idea they were coming and seeing them walk through the door gave me tears of joy! It was weird planning her party and knowing that so many of her best friends weren't going to be able to be there. I was a little sad with that truth but when we saw The McAdams those feelings instantly went away! It was so good to have them there, even if I didn't get to visit with them like I would have liked.

nice drool on the sleeve, huh?

Daddy and Gigi picked up balloons and surprised Ava and Connor with Minnie and Mickey Mouse balloons. She had a Minnie Mouse party last year but for some reason has been stuck on having Minnie Mouse cupcakes so the balloons made her happy.

Connor was smitten by his girl, June! She was the talk of the party amongst my family. One of the most beautiful and smiliest (is that a word?) babies we have ever seen!

Ava with her sweet friends Naomi and Brinley

Snack break with Mason and Brinley

Ava did a great job greeting her friends. She was excited to see Luke and Audrey. 

As well as her friend Sally who she hasn't seen in so long!

I made a slideshow of the kids to show at their party (as you can see in the background). 

Connor was happy as long as he was eating and had his empty water bottle in his hands. 

Kay Kay, Ava, and Granny Jeanne

Gigi and Kay Kay went down the giant slide with Ava! Always up for fun, those two crazy grandmothers!

I wanted a good picture of the kids together so badly but this is about all I got. Better than nothing!

My beautiful 4 year old!

My handsome 1 year old!

I think she was just about to blow her candle out. Connor was enjoying the singing. 

Pretty sure she was looking around to make sure that no one was watching her eat her cupcake. She is very concerned about getting icing on her face and other people seeing it and laughing. Oh dear! 

I love these two so much! I'm blessed beyond measure to be their mom!

Love these sweet friends so much! 

The best group shot we could get of the kids, minus a few. 

After his cupcake he came to life and had more energy!

So grateful to have most of the grandparents come in town for the party. 

We love you Papa and Gramielle!

Ava passed out all the "party flavors" to her friends before they left. 

And before I knew it, my crew (my sweet family) had the place cleaned up and all the party stuff packed up so we put shoes on and were out the door!

But not without one last goodbye hug from her bestie!

When we got home it was present opening time! That was crazy and fast. Glad Mikey managed to write down at least some of names of who they were from. 

It was a great day and we are so thankful for all the friends and family that could be there with us to help us celebrate our two precious kiddos!