Birthday-palooza, part 4

We took it easy on Sunday with a short morning playtime, and then some r &r in the afternoon. Monday was Nick's official birthday and after getting to sleep really late the night before, he woke early with excitement!

He waited for the rest of the family to wake up before diving into his presents (maybe that's just because I had them hidden away in the closet).



He was excited but still able to let Tim help him with some of the unwrapping.


And then completely enthralled with his gifts


Thankfully, that left him occupied for the morning so we could get ready for his birthday party in the afternoon. We decided to have just a small party this year (not that they've ever been that big) because he's had some trouble getting overwhelmed at the larger parties he's attended (and basically clung to me for 3/4 of the party).

The theme this year was Legos since Nick is all about them right now.


The kids did a little free building and then headed outside to get some energy out. Thankfully, the weather totally cooperated and was FABULOUS!


After a bit, we headed inside for a Lego game where everyone had a secret item to build and the rest of the group had to guess what it was


Manny and his flying machine


Nick and his robot


Ben and his fast car


Caleb and his spaceship


Owen and his airplane


Lauren and her rocket


Greg made a really cute Lego cake but we didn't remember to take a picture of it before it was devoured...


The last activity was a treasure hunt for the goody bags (yep, stole this idea from Aaron's party!) which burned off a little of the sugar


Nick had a fabulous time and was so well behaved and even gracious. Thanks so much friends for a great birthday!

Birthday-palooza, part 3

After a rockin party the night before, we awoke early Saturday morning for Nick's soccer game. However, not without first assembling a few Legos acquired the previous night



The sky looked bright and beautiful


but the wind was howling and it was COLD!! We made it through the game

photo by Tim

and then headed to our house to warm up and play a little.

While the younger cousins headed for an afternoon nap, Nick, Tim and I snuck out for another birthday celebration down the street! Our friend Skyler turned 6 just a few days before Nick and we were lucky enough to be able to celebrate with her. It was a great party with crafts, playground time, the most delicious pumpkin cake


and a hilarious (for the parents) game.

Photo by Emilie

apples from The St Pierre Family on Vimeo.

Afterwards, we headed up to the OT for a fun-filled family dinner. We finished off the evening with bedtime stories by Grandma


and headed home to get some rest for all of the excitement in store for the following day....

Birthday-palooza, part 2

In the afternoon, everyone reconvened over at our house for a little family birthday celebration for the October birthdays, Mason, Nick, me and Grandma. There was a little something planned for everyone :)

For Nick and Mason, Grandma decided on a Toy story themed party


with pizza for dinner


and of course, cake for dessert


Grandma got some new bling, with a new Cape Cod bracelet


so now, she matches Fiona


I have the reputation for being the serious one in the family, and so, everyone thinks it is hilarious that I've been reading the Twilight books and like everyone else who reads them, couldn't put them down ;) (for those of you snickering right now, you clearly haven't read the books. You try and see if you can put them down...just sayin') So, as a special treat for my 14th, er 38th birthday, they provided a Twilight themed party for me,


complete with a coven of pasty-faced vampires


and a pack of bare-chested werewolves :)


The grand finale was a big screen (via projector) viewing of Twilight in the comfort of my own family room


About three things I was absolutely positive. First, my family is a bunch of goofballs. Second, they know how to throw a good party. And third, it was unconditionally and irrevocably a birthday to remember. :)

Birthday-palooza, part 1

We've got 4 October birthdays in the east coast side of our family, including 3 that occur within 6 days of each other. So, this past weekend, the Kettells came up from Massachusetts/NH to celebrate.

We kicked off the weekend with a little impromptu gathering


and some playdoh


After a good night's sleep, we put Nick on the bus in the morning and then headed over to the bog walk for what has now become my annual birthday tradition.


It was a beautiful morning


The little kids had a great time


hanging out


exploring


and running


Even Bodie got in on the action


It is so much fun to watch and listen to the younger ones now that they are interacting with and talking to each other.



A great way to spend a birthday morning :)

Then, Jess and Amanda took Tim with them, leaving me with a couple of free hours to rest up and recharge for the evening's exciting activities....

Chaos

What happens when you mix 4 goofy little boys and 2 dogs?

Chaos from The St Pierre Family on Vimeo.