Celebrating Alex

Alex had a party at an indoor inflatable playground, one of many ideas he went through in the weeks leading up to his birthday.  Good thing for me that a 3-year old's memory can be pretty short because his original idea was for a big waterslide in the backyard didn't work out because I didn't book a rental in time.  That turned out to be fortunate because the party day was rainy, so everything worked out perfectly.  We didn't keep up with any of his buddies from school so this party was just our good friends from our street.

Alex was so excited to have his first party!

 

The slides were a big hit with everyone and this guy never lost that big smile.

Ben, Austin, Alex, and Trey climbing together.

The boys loving on their Grumpy.

 Group hug with the next door neighbors Cole and Therman.

 

Ben, Aaron, and Michelle.

Alex and his doppelganger!  Occasionally people say Alex looks like me (which I never believe, except for the eye color), but I think there is no doubt he favors his Grandpa more than anyone else.

 

After the kids were sufficiently worn out, it was time for cake and ice cream with Monkey Joe.

 

Alex was serious about blowing out those candles because he couldn't wait for some cookie cake!

 

 

The whole gang...and I love this picture because the party host (in the striped shirt) is grabbing his crotch.  I guess he hasn't learned yet that every moment of a kid's birthday party is caught on someone's camera...ha!

The kids also got some ice cream, as though the powerade and cookie cake didn't have enough sugar to keep them up all night.

Next, it was time for presents!

Ben, Maddie, Alex, and Michael all enjoying their treat bags with some loot that the boys carefully selected at the dollar store.

Alex and Mama, waiting for our takeout after the party.  Every once in a while I insist on a picture to prove that I exist.

On Alex's actual birthday, he got to open a few more presents, including tickets to the circus from the family and a new car track from Scott and Lou Anne.

Then we hit the local cupcake bakery and the kids each picked out a sinful cupcake.  Alex really just wanted the candy and a few bites of icing, so I selflessly helped him polish this off.

 

Ben went with the most chocolatey one he could find.

Yuummmmm!!!

 

You can't truly enjoy a cupcake of this size without getting a little on your mouth, nose, cheek, chin...

Damage DONE.

I still can't believe my baby is four and I wish we could pause time right now.  The boys are both so much fun and still so sweet and innocent.  Most of the time, anyways.  Life is easier now because they can do a lot of things on their own now, like get dressed and get in and out of the car, but they're still small enough that many things can be fixed with a hug or a kiss.