Saturday, December 14, 2013

Happy Birthday Benjamin!

Can you believe Benjamin is 4 already? We can’t! He is learning to do many new things, and it is so much fun to watch him discover new interests.

We had a birthday party with friends this year, and because he has so many buddies, it was difficult not to invite everyone. But, we limited it to seven of his best buddies. It took a lot of preparation, but I was very proud of the way it all turned out.

Here is an unfolding of the day.

Benjamin opened presents from Papa, and from us, early when he woke up. Abby was as excited as he was. She gasped and said “Ooooh!” to each item. We got him some new additions to his Ikea train tracks. You would think he has plenty of track, but apparently one can never have too many train tracks.

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We sent Benjamin to quiet time, so I could set up his party. I decided on a snowman theme this year, and I turned to Google and Pinterest for inspiration. Combining all the best ideas I could find, and improvising some, I decided on the following:

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We made snowman bagels, because I wanted to have a healthier snack along with all the sugar! The kids loved it. I gave everyone a plate with a bagel, and a bowl with edible decorations.

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For favors, we sent home play dough and light up rings. I figured my mom would very much approve, since most of the decorations and tea pots were from her snowman collection, and she always was a fan of “bling.”

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The kids loved the food, and they especially loved making hot chocolate with a giant snowman marshmallow.

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Make a wish Benjamin!

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Donuts on a stick, instead of cake, were devoured in record time. 

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Sugar!!!!

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We played Pin The Nose On The Snowman for our game. Our friend Kara had to go home early for a dance recital, so she is missing from this photos. From left to right are Benjamin, Eagan, Claire, Ivy, Tyler, Dominic and Logan.

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Logan’s ,and Claire’s mom, are missing from the next picture. Megan, who is one of my newest friends and has kids the same age as mine, came after nap time. Emily, who has been a buddy since she went to pharmacy school with Jeremy, had to work. From left to right are Sarah Ellis (my friend who co-leads Recharge with me), Melissa Kamel (my buddy who goes absolutely everywhere with me on weekly play dates) and finally Katie Duh and Tammy Cordeiro (the two who have been there for every occasion since we all met three years ago). I felt bad that I couldn’t invite all the wonderful friends we have made the past four years, so maybe next year we will go somewhere where we can accommodate more people.

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And, the moment they’d all been waiting for… presents!

Benjamin LOVED each and every gift, though I think he will appreciate them more fully when he gets to look at them one at a time later. For a while, it was chaos!

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He received a cool play dough “candy” maker, a Thomas book and game, a Chuggingtons puzzle, a memory game, an Olivia book, a Curious George movie and a car ramp. He is still so excited!

Finally, I wanted to list a few of what Benjamin says currently are his favorite things to document life with this precious 4 year old.

Favorite snack: gold fish

Favorite meal: Hamburgers and french fries

Favorite dessert: ice cream

Favorite object: White Blanket

Favorite toy: games and my Thomas trains

Favorite place: Kings Island

Favorite show: Curious George

Favorite Restaurant: Max and Erma’s

Favorite place to play: Jump and Jacks “with slides and everything.”

Favorite book: Thomas books

Favorite night night song: (singing) “Good night Abigail, sleep tight Abby girl. Abby Mae it’s time to say goodnight. Abby Mae our blessing and delight.”

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