Sunday, April 17, 2011

And Then He Was FOUR

Back in March, Benton turned FOUR! We wanted him to have a lot of fun for his birthday so when asked what kind of party he wanted, he suggested pirates. I knew we would have a blast with that theme!

Love Oriental Trading Company! After a lot of searching, we had a party. I think his favorite item was the six foot pirate we got. We used the giant pirate for a game that was a spin on "pin the tail on the donkey" and called it "stab the pirate". I made some blood-red whipping cream and had the kids (blind folded and spun) dip a sword into it and try to hit an "X" on the pirate's belt. It was quite entertaining to watch!

We had a pinata, it was the first one the Meyers' children have ever had. It was a treasure chest complete with a treasure map! Greg suggested that every adult have a handful of candy and when the pinata finally breaks, throw the candy in the air in various places around the yard to give the pinata an explosive factor. It worked nicely!

Following the pinata, the kids used the discovered treasure map to find the treasure. During the pinata, my niece and nephew filled the backyard with loot. The smaller children had fun deciphering the treasure map and enjoyed clearing the back yard of all things valuable.

We topped the party off with a treasure chest cake and cupcakes! All together we had a successful, fun party and one happy FOUR year old!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Alea's Hair

February 2011


February 2010


Just breezing through some pictures and thought I'd show you how much
hair Alea can grow in a year!

Happy Valentine's Day 2011

We have quite the little party planner on our hands!

About three weeks ago, Alea started asking me if she could have a Valentine's Day party. Of course she could "have a party". I thought she'd forget about it since she is so imaginative and each day is a new experience. After she hand wrote a few invitations and she began delegating jobs, I was still thinking that she would drop it and move on. I should have known better. It was solidified when we were out to breakfast with my dad and she said, "Granddaddy, would you make root beer floats for my Valentine's Party"? This party was going to happen! I participated minimally and here's what we got. . .

GREG'S job was the cake and here is
his amazing, creative princess castle cake!!
Keep in mind this is after the party . . .

Can somebody say "Root Beer Floats"?!?!

Craft time with Aunt Callie-

She planned the entire thing! She even made a few calls to remind party participants of what they had committed to do. Honestly, this was a great party with NO hitches and little management by an adult. I'm impressed!



Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Polar Express


The group getting ready to embark!

The group all partied out and headed back to Amarillo.

Santa and
Alea, Gideon, August, Miriam, Josiah, Samara, AshLynn, Benton

Me, my mom, my grandmother and my sisters, along with eight children 12 and under, made a 2 hour drive to Lubbock to ride the Polar Express. We all had a great time and even purchased new pajamas for all the ADULTS!! Alea was slightly disappointed in the "North Pole" but her Aunt Callie was quick to explain that we were seeing the Texas North Pole! That seemed to make it much better. We got to drink hot chocolate and eat cookies. An elf read the Polar Express book and Santa came around and passed out bells. We had a great time!

Fun and Great Times--Happy Holidays. . .