This little guy couldn't have been more excited for his big day to come. His eyes just sparkle when there's birthday talk, and he's a fun one to surprise. The only thing he'd mentioned about his day was that he wanted a volcano cake (???) and a friend party. I was glad he hadn't mentioned what he wanted and found some little treasures for him in the toy isles. (man, toys are expensive)
I realized on Monday we'd need to get invitations out ASAP and printed up some cute ones with a volcano and the necessary info. I had no idea what we were going to do, but a party was set! He decided on inviting six little friends but one never got the invite, Eli kept forgetting, which was just fine by me. The night before I put together the volcano cake, which turned out pretty cool if I do say so myself: 2 cake mixes in 2 bunt cakes, one cake minus a little batter to fill a small pyrex bowl and one cupcake. I stacked everything, and added colorful icing for the lava, dino's and eggs placed around the base. I found a neat trick in Family Fun where you melt suckers and drip it on tin foil to create lava spurting out the top. Abby had done a neat train cake with smoke coming out the top, which I thought would be a neat touch to add. But by then Zeke had gotten a hold of a stool and climbed onto the counter and sampled the side, so it sortof took the wind out of my sails to add the smoke. Oh well. The kids didn't notice.
Eli was excited as could be on his big day. We all waited at the top of the stairs for everyone to gather before Adren had to go off to school and dad to work. He loved his birthday poster and gifts. He opened everything right then! (as is the tradition)
Of course, the kids have just as much fun with all the goodies. Lot's of playing until it was time for his school to start. I sent him with a birthday bag of treats to share. (Lot's of treats to get ready today!)
The party started at 4, almost all the kids came. It was nice to have a smaller group of boys~ a little less "crazy". They were sent out back immediately with punch balloons to play until everyone arrived. Then we came inside and played "Don't Eat Pete!" (it's been a fun one at a couple of parties) Then back out to the backyard where they could "Dig for Dinosaurs". I had a bin with mini dinosaurs and a couple dog bones filled with sand. They couldn't use their hands to find them, just the "shovel". (a plastic fork)
Then on to the pinata out on the driveway which worked out perfect, everyone got a turn, Eli being last who broke it! Perfect!
Then back inside for presents and cake and play until all the kids had been picked up. It was good! I'm always sooooo glad when that part is over.
Eli had a soccer game, where we were in charge of treats so I'd put together birthday treat bags just so everyone would know it was his special day! Then off to a play land for dinner! Granny and Grandpa had a scout meeting to attend but Paul and Sharon were able to join up with us for dinner. It was great sitting and chatting and laughing with them. Always a good time!
I think Eli felt special because he kept exclaiming all day, "This is the best birthday, EVER!"
Mission accomplished!