Birthday boys

There are so many things I love about having two boys, but when I had Ryan, I didn't really consider that we could easily knock out two birthdays with one party! These guys pretty much have the same friends, and at least in the fall, William wasn't insistent on inviting kids from school. I think at this point in the year, after having gone to so many parties of classmates, he would have wanted them to come. But he was totally happy with a party that included our neighborhood buddies and kids of our friends. 

We did the party at a place called Great Play. It's an indoor wonderland that they can turn into almost anything. They have stuff to climb, swing on, play with, run after, etc. They let the kids start with free time, which is good because it gets them acquainted with the environment. Then they introduce each kid and have them run through a little pathway and give high fives. It was a little intimidating for a few of our guests plus William, but I still think it's a fabulous place for a party, and I would do it again. 

After the intros, they pick up most of the equipment that's on the floor and start playing all different games to get the kids moving. Honestly, the best part is the staff! They are so enthusiastic and friendly. They take time to remember the kids' names so they can make them feel special. The guy who was in charge of our party was crazy sweaty by the end because he was running around with the kids. 

This big screen greets guests when they walk in. 

Free time gets the kids running around. 

This was about the only thing Ben did before retreating to the safety of his mom. But he had a smile on his face while he watched everyone participate.  

Rollin', rollin', rollin'

Emily is a legend in our house. She lives down the street and is the big sister of Jackson, who is William's oldest friend. She really tried to get William up and moving, but it was a little overwhelming for him. What's interesting is that we did a class at Great Play before the party, and W participated in almost every activity. There must have been something different about having strangers there vs. friends and being the guest of honor. But he still says he loved it and that he had fun. And he did participate more toward the end.  

Oh how I love this picture of Grayson and his dad, Brandon. It cracks me up.

Such simple games bring so much joy to the kids. This one required nothing but foam rackets and balloons.

This activity is by far William's favorite. That video wall is interactive., so when you hit something in the picture, that thing changes. For instance, you can break the flower pots in the window sill or change the background from day to night. Such a neat idea!

They must be getting instructions for the next game. It looks like Ben, William, and Macey are hiding elsewhere. 

Cleaning up is fun when it's a treasure hunt from the big parachute boat on the right. These people get so creative!

All the kids got gold medals in the award ceremony. William decided it would be best to lay on the platform. Whatever floats your boat.  

I hope my kids like cookie cakes as much as I do. This was probably the last party that they won't care and will let me pick!

Did you know that you can get cookie cakes in all different flavors? We had one traditional chocolate chip and one oatmeal raisin. Mmmmmm cookies. 

I wonder what they are thinking. 

We did the best we could with a group shot! William is holding his class monkey, Mason, who we happened to have that weekend. 

Happy boys after the party. I declare it a success!