Addison Birthday Party

A few weeks ago we had Addison's 1st Birthday party. When Mason turned 1 we had all of our family and friends over for a indoor party, but it was fairly low key compared to this party. I knew when we started thinking about Addison's party I wanted to think of Mason and most of our friends kiddos. Most are 3 and older and I knew would not be okay just sitting eating food, cake, and watching Addison open gifts. We didn't have a party for Mason this year, since he got to go skiing for his birthday, so it was almost like his party too. 

We did a carnival theme. Addison being the Ring Master. I got on Pinterest and found some ideas and got to making games and fun items for the party. I am big on DIY. We ended up with a face painter and a bounce house. The bounce house was curtesy of our babysitter/nanny. Both items were a HUGE hit with the bigger kids. Mason jumped in the bounce house until it was dark. 

Here is a picture of all the decorations. We made a bag toss game and a picture board with a lion and ringmaster out of wood. They were fun to paint. My family are all really good artists and I have always been able to take an idea and they will draw it and then I color or paint it. This time M took care of the drawing for me and I painted them. It took me probably two days to complete all the painting. We have a popcorn machine for our media room, so we brought it down. I order cracker jacks, cotton candy, and animal crackers for the kids. We also tried to keep with the theme going for food and had corndogs and nachos. I was surprised how many adults ate the corndogs. I really had them thinking the kids would like them over the nachos. Apparently parents too. 

 The kids all had a blast. Our initial plans were to have the party in our backyard. But it rained and rained and rained all week and really it was raining up until the party time. I was afraid we would all be stuck in the garage. Luckily the sun came out and the bounce house got blown up. The party was in our front yard. I was waiting for all the neighborhood kids to come join in on the fun.

Addison was so sleepy as the party went onward. She goes to bed at 6:30 most nights, and her party was from 4-6, so the closer 6 came the sleepier she was and would just lay on me.

The face painter was AMAZING!!! I really think I want her at every party we ever have from now on. The kids loved it and she was goooooood. Addison, as you can tell, was a little nervous about getting painted. She was nervous the entire party and would only go to me, Michael or my parents. I was surprised that she would go to my Dad. She normally won't stay with him long, but I think there were just too many people for her. I loved seeing them love on her, but I had to stay back or she would throw herself to me. She is totally a Mama's girl and I love it.  I wish I had stopped every kiddo and gotten a picture of their faces, but here are a few I caught.

The party was a lot of fun. It was a lot of work, but I loved every minute of planning and watching all of the kids have so much fun. I am always thinking about the next party we could throw. It is fun to see kids faces (not just my own kids) light up in excitement and having fun.

I think next year, we will probably be taking Mason skiing again, but I am thinking at 4 and on he will probably tell us what kind of party he wants to have and who he wants to invite if he has one. And once the kids are in elementary school I figure all of our parties will be kid driven not me driven. I will enjoy it a few more years with Addison.

Mason Turns 3

Oh Lordy! Where has the time gone. My baby is getting so big. Mason is such a hyper, fun loving little boy. His energy level sometimes is intense. But he is always excited about life and I love that. I realize a lot of the time that he has my personality, which means I am probably up for years of us butting heads.

He was my teeny tiny little bug. 

Then he turn 1...and I cried. 

Then he turn 2...and I realized my hands were going to be as FULL as my heart!!

He is probably the sweetest boy. He tells us he loves us and those are the sweetest words in the world to hear from your child. He says some of the funniest things. Like the other day, Michael finished his dinner and Mason wanted to go play. He said, "Daddy you finish your food." Michael said, "yeah." Mason, "Good job Daddy High Five" "Lets go play." We obviously do lots of praise for eating. 

He also was caught pointing to all of his cousins saying "You're my best Friend" "You're my best Friend" etc. ADORABLE!!! He tells us all of the time that we are his best friends and that his sister is his best friend and so is Gabby. And Ribby the Razorback. I feel like he sounds like Oprah when he says it...You get a new car and You get a new car!!!

Mason is spunky too. He is a runner. We have had lots of serious conversations about running. He thinks it is funny, and Mommy tries to tell him he will get taken by a bad person. I told him once and he told me it was okay...Daddy will get in the car and find me. Oh no kiddo he won't. Spunky!! 

Mason has also begun lying!!! Isn't he too young to do that? I mean he blames things on his sister already and Gabby. He is a MESS!! The first time he lied I thought did he just do that and now it is almost daily. And he gives us this smile like he knows he isn't about to get away with it, but he knows he is cute. 

Mason loves birthdays and parties. He loves to say it is his birthday even when it isn't. I think this year his birthday will be extra special. I am planning to take him and do something super fun just Mommy and Daddy and then all of our family is coming over to celebrate. We aren't doing a big party this year, since we are leaving the next day to take Mason skiing. If you ask him what are you doing for your birthday he says go to the mountains and go skiing! 

After Mason went to bed last night, I spread balloons down the stairs and into the living room. He loves balloons. I heard him at the top of the stairs say BALLOONS!!! Then he came down and saw the others. He came into our room with excitement in his voice and said Mommy, Daddy I have to show you something! Not sure who he thinks put the balloons everywhere, but needless to say he was happy and excited. I had planned to take him donuts to school in the morning, while Michael took the kids to school, but yesterday several kids in Addison's class had a stomach bug and I did not want her there. Plus they said she had thrown up, even though she hasn't since so it might have been spitting up. No need to risk it before we go out of town. Instead, Michael and him left really early and Michael took him to Krispy Kreme to pick out donuts for his class. 

Tonight he will get the meal of his choice, which will most likely be Chick-Fil-A, and cupcakes. Then tomorrow, we are having family over for pizza and presents. But he is most excited about Sunday, airplanes and skiing. 

Sizes: You wear a 3T or 4T in almost everything. Daddy thinks it should be 4T on everything, but I disagree except in shirts.

Potty Trained: We trained you at 2yr 5 months old. You haven't worn a diaper during the day since May and at night since November. Even though, November was probably too late, but Mommy didn't want to wash sheets. 

Weight: 35lbs

Height: 39" tall 3ft 3inches

Sleeping: Big Boy bed since 2. You sleep from 8pm-6am. Some nights are better than others. You always come downstairs and ask for Mickey Mouse, Daniel Tiger or Super Why in the mornings. 

Likes: Mason loves all things baseball. He is excited about skiing and I am sure will be asking when he gets to go again. He is all boy. He runs and is crazy all of the time. Sometimes I wonder how he has the energy to keep going. 

3 Days...Birthdays

Happy Birthday to my husband and friend! Every year we celebrate his birthday in the middle of all of the craziness. He never complains that he has to share it, and today he is sharing it with a trip to Branson to take Mason and Addison to do the Polar Express! He is a good Daddy and even suggested doing it on his birthday.

I am so in love with this man and when I see him with our children it makes me love him even more if that is possible. Our life is far from perfect, we argue, we disagree, we laugh, and we play together.

You are my biggest supporter and bring me back to reality when I start getting to big for my head. You keep me in check and you make me smile. I love how you get upset when Mason picks me over you and I love how smug you get when he asks for you over me. I love how when you walk in a room Addison just gives you this look of love and smiles the biggest smiles to you. She already has you wrapped and you don't even notice. Or maybe you do and don't care. I love how you will drop everything if Mason asks to go outside or play inside. I love watching you play swords and how animated you are when Mason says you are dead.

I hope this next year is better than the last. 32 is looking great on you!! I love you and so do our children!