The $25 Birthday Party

My mom established a great tradition for my siblings and me while we were growing up. We were only allowed to have a birthday "party" every other year. Of course, we celebrated every birthday, but inviting friends, and party favors and themes, that was only once every two years. It saved my mom from the trauma of throwing multiple parties *every* year, and it also made it more special when we did have party.

I have tried to follow that with my own kids, for the most part. Carson had a "Glo-Golf" party last year, so this wasn't his year for a party. However, one of my friends asked to do a play date so they could give him a gift, and then Carson asked specifically to invite his one really good guy friend. So, what wasn't supposed to be a party kind of turned into one.

But, we are trying really hard to keep expenses to a minimum. I felt like if his friends were making an effort to bring him presents and be with him, then the least I could do is provide some kind of favor bags and a small treat. So here is what I came up with:

-we would have his get together at the mall play area=free
-I bought cookies from Walmart (he doesn't like cake, they aren't messy and I wouldn't have to buy forks!)=$3
-he wanted an "Avengers" theme, so I splurged on plates=$2
-we filled really fun favor bags, but we did it on the cheap, $3 per kid times 6 =$18
-for decorations, two helium balloons from the Dollar Store=$2

Total for a party for 6 kids=$25!

So if you want the low-down, here's what I did:

I made the favor bags using green lunch sacks from the party section at Walmart. They were 3 for $1. I printed these free Hulk printables from Cute as a Fox. I enlarged them and laid them out horizontally before printing, so they would fit on the bag. I am considering the two sheets of printer paper, ink and rubber cement I used to adhere the faces as "free".:)

 

I loved the minimalistic effect, and the kids immediately recognized that it was the Hulk! I used my "31" Organizing Utility Tote to haul it all and it was the perfect fit. Carson doesn't like cake, and we had a really busy week, so I bought cookies from Walmart (they were actually really good!). You could make something at home and probably save even more! For some reason, character printed plates are always a huge hit with kids, so I didn't feel bad about spending the $2. Some of the kids even took them home!

 I was most pleased with what we filled the bags with. Since the "Avengers" movie is relatively new, there were plenty of choices! We put in stuff from:

The Dollar Store:

-bouncy balls, the bank breaker at $1 per kid

-popping candy with lollipops, 3 to a pack for $1

-"sour straws", 8 to a package for $1

-flying disks 3 for a $1

The Party Store:

-gumballs, sold individually so we could pick the color, $0.25

-stamps (the Captain America star up there) sold in a 6 pack for $2, so $0.33

-Sixlets, also sold individually, so we could pick the color, Hulk green, of course! 15 for $1, so $0.07

Walmart:

-sticker sheets, sold in a pack of 10 for $1, $0.10 each

-and the find of the day! The Avengers container! It was with the Easter stuff, it was supposed to be an "egg". They were on clearance for $0.30 for a pack of three! We filled them with sour gummy worms, and that probably worked out to about $0.07 per kid, which I forgot to include.:) So add an extra $0.42 to the total.

So, including the bags, it was about $3 per kid for a pretty sweet favor bag.

All that led to is one pretty happy 5 year-old. His friends gave him a Captain America flying shield, do they know him or what? All the moms had agreed to buy lunch for their kids in the food court, so I didn't provide any other food or drinks.

So basically, here is how to throw a party on the cheap:
-chose a cheap, or free, place to have it. Your house isn't necessarily the best choice, because not only will you probably have to clean, you will have to buy more than two balloons to decorate! That gets pricey, trust me, I know!
-look for seasonal clearance. Easter, Christmas, Back to School, Valentine's, even 4th of July, can be great boons for cheap favors! Look for things that aren't printed, just plain colors, if your theme isn't a character. I picked up adorable crayon packs at Target for $0.10 each (after Valentine's) that are simply red and white striped. They don't look seasonal at all!
-use your party store, or Walmart's party department. Buying things individually will cost a little more over buying them in bulk (per piece) but you can choose your colors and not buy more than you need!
-shop your Dollar Store, but look for things sold in packs, rather than individually. I only bought one item that was $1 per child, everything else came in a pack of three or more.
-stick with your theme, that will help narrow your focus and keep you from overspending!
-hand-make what you can, and don't forget to scour Pinterest and the internet for freebies related to your party. You can find cupcake wraps, banners, invites, and all manner of printables for free! All it will cost you is paper and ink.
-choose a time when you don't have to serve anything besides cake (or cookies!), or arrange for everyone to cover the cost of lunch themselves. My friends didn't mind paying. They know we are on a budget and we meet for lunch every week anyway.

Finances needn't be an excuse to deprive your child of a party if you want to have one! I think $25 is pretty reasonable, and I know all the kids had a blast!

To Carson, On His 5th Birthday

 Dear Carson, 

               FIVE! I'm so entertained to think of what the next year will bring. Four was a lot of fun, and I'm just not certain it can be topped. I picked the photo above because it is so representative of your crazy little personality. You certainly are full to the brim with it! 

You are a little ham, I think in part because you so admire your Dad, and you know he is funny. You still absolutely love to be like him. If he likes it, you like it. He eats Tabasco, you eat Tabasco. (The green kind is your favorite.) He likes football, you like football. You love to "rough house" with him, and this year he finally gave you a special phrase to say when you are crying uncle- "molon labe"-its Latin and it means "come and take" (it's a gun rights thing) but it is hilarious to hear you say it. One of your favorite things is to climb up on our bed and jump around with your fists up! You are always ready to play.

You love your toys, too. This year "super heroes" are your favorite, and you know the names of all of the Avengers, as well as the theme song to the cartoon. You play for hours with your Imaginext toys- all the super heroes and Star Wars, too. You still love to sword fight, but now you have added Thor's hammer and Nerf guns to your arsenal. You love sports, too. You are always begging your Dad to play baseball or basketball. You spend hours running around outside, or riding your bike or scooter. You love pretty much anything that is typically "boy"!

But you have a really tender heart, too. You are always worried about other people- and so ready to share. You always offer me and your Dad a bite of anything you are eating. You like for things to be fair, but it goes both ways-it isn't always just about you. You love babies and littler kids, and are always willing to hold a baby, especially your cousin Gwendalyn! You love to call people nicknames (which sometimes aggravates your friends!) because you want them to know how much you like them.

You have your own opinions about a lot of things, especially your clothes. You have a pair of black, velcro Converse that you have practically worn to pieces. You truly wear them every day, even though you have a dozen other pairs of shoes in your closet! You love to wear a zip-up hooded jacket all the time, even to bed. And don't even get me started on your skinny jeans! Your Dad really doesn't like them, but your "tight pants" are your favorites! You wore huge holes in your two most loved pairs, so I had to get you some more. You love fun socks, too, and don't care if you wear your Christmas ones in March. You have Star Wars, and Cars, and Ninja Turtles, and tons of pirate ones!

You are learning so much. You have learned how to draw people, and write your name, and you are starting to read. You are doing really well, and are so particular with your letters, practicing them over and over on the white board. When you are really proud, you save it so your Dad can see it when he comes home for lunch. You are doing so good counting and adding. You often listen to Josie's history and science lessons-and then answer the questions for her! 

You are doing so well in Awana, too. You are all finished with your Cubbies books- and your vest is full! You love to listen to the Bible at night, and your favorite story is "Deborah and Barak"-you can practically recite the version in your storybook Bible. You listen well in Sunday School, you can almost always tell me what your lesson is about. The stories about soldiers and fighting are your favorites!

You took ice skating lessons for the first time this year. You loved it! You were your teachers' favorite because you are such a quick learner. Your goal is to play hockey, but I will be honest, that makes me a little nervous! I think maybe tee ball- something where you are a little less likely to lose teeth.:)

You are my cuddle bug and I hope that doesn't change. I love how you snuggle up next to me when I am in bed in the mornings, or sitting on the sofa. We went to the movies today, and you sat in my lap. I won't lie-that makes me happy. You will soon be too tall, so I am treasuring these last few months of that! You are always kissing me!

 I am also happy that you still take naps.I know that won't last forever, but for right now, I think you just use too much energy! You will literally run circles in the living room for 10 solid minutes until I make you stop because *I'm* dizzy! Everything you do, you do it full force. You don't hold back, and I love that.

I'm looking forward to teaching you more about Jesus. You are asking more questions about having Him in your heart, and that just breaks me. You are such a treasure to our family, and I can't wait to see you on fire for the Lord. I pray for you all the time-I know your sensitive little heart will know when the time is right. I plead with the Lord constantly to keep me aware of what you need to hear about Him. 

Your Dad is so good at knowing what you need, too. He really loves you, little guy! He makes sure you know all the "guy"stuff. You both love his Camaro, the "Z" as you call it. You just want to be with him, and you have spent many happy hours watching cartoons together. I think every dad needs a "mini me"-and you certainly are your Dad's!

I just love you so much. I am thankful every day that the Lord knew that we needed you, even when we didn't know it. You are a huge blessing to our family, and I can't imagine it without you. I love you.

                                                                                         Love,

                                                                                               Mom

To Jocelyn, On Her 7th Birthday

 Dear Josie,
               It is your seventh birthday! So many things have happened this year, it is hard to know where to begin. I have spent a lot of time learning how to trust God: that He will keep you safe, that He will give you the things you need, that He will show me how to be a godly mom to you.

He has far surpassed my expectations. You are the sweetest, most cheerful, Jesus-loving little girl. And you aren't growing up too fast. You still have that child-like sense of wonder, while having a very intuitive awareness. You are so interested in the Bible. You are always asking me questions. (Some of which I have a very hard time answering! You asked me the other day if Satan had children-not sure where that came from!) You still love Awana, and in the spring we were both surprised to find that you were "Clubber of the Year"- a high honor for learning the most sections in your club! I am so proud of you.

You make friends easily, and you aren't concerned with whether they are older or younger, boy or girl. You aren't self-conscious, either. You think that you are pretty, and smart, and talented-but not in a boastful or proud way. Just a contentment in truly believing that God make you special. And He certainly did! Your God-given confidence is one of the things I admire the most about you.

You love to have fun! A party, a friend's house, or just jumping on me and your Dad's bed at night. You definitely have a lot of "otter" in your personality! You love to make up songs, and create things. You make the coolest crafts out of paper and tape. You made a whole "box of donuts" the other day, and you make little purses and fill them with all kinds of notebook paper accessories. It is just the cutest thing! You will play for hours by yourself-your imagination is huge and you are never limited by what something is intended for-everything has a million uses in your eyes.

You are doing so well in school this year. Last year was a struggle, but we persevered and the Lord has really been gracious since we started second grade. You love math! That makes me so happy. You love "Hairastitch Studies" (Heritage Studies, or history), too, because you get to do crafts. You love crafts! You started reading independently too. Your first chapter book, The Boxcar Children, was read on the plane on the way to Aunt Robyn's.

You have been a traveling maniac- you had your first "week away" at Grams' house, and you were so homesick I came to get you early! We stayed at Grammy's for a month, and did VBS and celebrated birthdays. Then we got to go to Aunt Robyn's in North Carolina, to be there for baby Gwendalyn's birth. You love your cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents, and all the other family, so much! You cry so hard every time we leave, it breaks my heart. You love being with your family!

You love VBS,too. Miss Kelly named you honorary VBS co-director this year. You proclaimed yourself the "Queen of VBS"! You tirelessly help, and figure and plan. You get so excited that it is contagious! You attended three VBS this year- ours, Grams' and Grammy's! You could have lead the music by the end, but you never got tired of it! You are already gearing up for next year. And Mr. Jeff, the new children's minister, loves your input, too!

You lost your first tooth this year, and took ice skating again, and spent tons of time riding your bike, and listening to Adventures in Odyssey, Jamie Grace and Toby Mac. You are really liking hanging out with your Dad, and you play so well with your brother. Carson loves you so much- and you are a great big sister. It was a full, busy, but wonderful year. I can't wait to see what "seven" brings. I know the Lord has great plans for you! I love you so much, and am always praying for you.

                                                                                   Love,

                                                                                         Mother (what you always call me!)

Colorado "Tourists"

 My dad taught me something wonderful, growing up, that you should always explore- not just places far away on "vacation", but where you live! Joel and I both love to travel, and we have gone many places nearby. However, when you have company from out of state, it is an even better reason to play the tourist in your own town!

Joel's childhood friend and his wife came to see us and we had so much fun going to all the typical tourist places. I took literally hundreds of photos over the course of the weekend, but I will refrain from posting them all!

We started the weekend with breakfast at our favorite place-King's Chef Diner. It is a funny little dive that serves *the best* breakfast hashes and burritos. I love mine smothered in green chile. If you finish all your food (which is quite the feat, considering the enormous portion sizes) you are awarded a "Clean Plate Club" sticker, and a piece of candy. Carson was delighted with his treat- and Josh was pretty proud of himself, too! No sticker for me or Joel!

After breakfast we went up Pikes Peak. I get a little crabby about that, I won't lie. I hate that it is so expensive-it is basically the world's most costly toll road! At about $30 it isn't something we do all the time. I figured out that I have made 4 trips up there and I probably won't make any more if I don't have to. It isn't the cost, though. I get terrible altitude sickness! Compounded with my tendency to get motion sick, it is definitely far from ideal.

But, I have to agree, it is gorgeous, and if you aren't cheap and prone to a variety of (probably mental) illnesses, it is definitely something to see. I took the photo of the kids and Joel at the reservoir on the way up. It is a nature photographer's dream!

 Do not be decieved- while it was 89 degrees and cloudless in the Springs, it was only about 48 and windy on the Peak, and it felt even colder! Of course, everyone knows, Pikes Peak was the inspiration for the song, "America the Beautiful." I can see why!

 The views are endless, and absolutely breaktaking. I so wish that I did not get so dizzy and disoriented, I am sure that I would have taken even more photos. You can see for literally miles.

 This little guy was quite photogenic. Everyone kept asking me what kind of animal it was. I replied "it's a marmot". I couldn't figure out why they kept asking. Later during the weekend, we figured out that they all thought I was saying, "it's a varmint"! They had never heard of a marmot! And an especially camera friendly one!

After coming back down the mountain, we spent some time in Manitou Springs. It is full of little curiousity shops and things. There are also some fun statues and the actual mineral springs that the town is named for. The kids were peeking at the creek below that flows from the springs.

Everyone had fun posing on the enormous bike- clearly a bicycle built for two (or ten!).

The kids had fun trying out some of the quarter rides at the arcade in the center of town. There are well over 25 different rides! They also enjoyed looking at the fountain that is from the springs-the water still provides health benefits supposedly, but I think it smells, so I wouldn't know!

 



On Saturday we toured the Olympic Training Center. It  had been years ago while I was in college that I had last toured it, and I had sort of forgotten about it (although it is really close to our house!). I got to thinking about it during the Summer Games, and was anxious to see it again.

It is definitely one of the best free attractions in the Springs! We managed to make it to the last tour of the day, and even just going into the visitor's center is fun. We discovered that Joel's "wingspan" is the same as Michael Phelps- and they are the same height! I guess all that training really does make a difference..;)

 



The kids had a blast exploring all the exhibits and climbing in the equipment. If it hadn't been almost 90 degrees that day, the photo of the bobsled would have looked a little more realistic, wouldn't it?
Our tour was great, and we learned lots of fun facts from the tourguide, a resident athlete who is training in fencing. They also showed a great movie of highlights from the last Winter Olympics. I can't wait to see the Summer one! GO USA!

Later in the weekend we visited Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a couple of hours away from us, and we had never been. Let me tell you- it is G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S! Truly, Colorado scenery at its finest!

We did some hiking, the guys went farther up than the girls. Can you see Joel and Carson way in the distance? I loved the tiny creek that flowed over these rocks.

We drove through the entire park, and we were treated to many spectacular views like this. We saw the Colorado portion of the Continental Divide, which is kind of like the Four Corners- cool to say you have visited but nothing spectacular to photograph. I also purchased a nature guide and had a great time identifying the plants and animals. I am such a nerd sometimes!

It was a packed weekend, but we had so much fun. I always have fond memories of childhood trips when we do things like this. Joel has been so busy with school that having him around all day for a few days was wonderful. I think we are made some great memories as a family!

 

 

 

 

 

To Carson, on His 4th Birthday

Dear Carson,
                   Who knew four meant that you were already a little man? I look at pictures of you and know that you aren't my little chubby cheeked baby anymore. However, you are a dear and precious (often precocious!) preschooler.

    You are learning and growing so fast! This last year you learned how to ride your bike, started doing "school" work, and just today you learned to swing. You love to play baseball with your dad, but then again you pretty much love doing anything with him. You love to sit and watch "Voltron" or "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" with him, because you love to be with your "Big Daddy".


   He does your hair for you, (although sometimes you do it yourself-which is too cute!) in two styles: shark hair

This is shark hair



Or dude hair:

I love that you still mimic your dad so often. It is so fun to see him teach you how to be a gentleman. You love holding doors and will stand there as long as there are people coming through.

You are a big helper in a lot of  ways. When your dad and I teach in your Sunday School class, you love to carry the big bottle of hand sanitizer around at snack time so that everyone can "wash" their hands. You also love to be the line leader. It is easy to see that many of the other kids look up to you!

You love to spend time with your friends, and have really learned how to play with others. Even though sometimes you antagonize (especially your little friends who are girls!) you still love to help and share. When you collected your Easter eggs on Sunday, you came outside to give me a piece of your candy before you even had any for yourself! I love your gentle, giving spirit.

You have really learned how to draw. Almost all of your people- even Mommy, have "shark" hair and it is just the cutest thing ever! I was so sad that the first time your drew our family it was with dry erase marker! However, I think I will have plenty of them to save in the future. This is your self-portrait:

You are really learning about the Bible, too. You love going to Cubbies (after you actually get started) and memorizing the verses and singing the songs. You know lots of Bible stories, but your favorite is "Barak and Deborah" because they fight with swords! You can repeat the whole story almost word for word.

You love all swords: pirate, knight, it doesn't matter. You carry your beloved "Swordie" around all the time- in the back of your shirt. You even sleep with it at night. I had to fight your dad on that one, he didn't want to let you. But it is so cute to see you sleeping with it down the back of your pajama shirt, while you clutch your best friend Monkey.

I just love what a boy you are! You are so sweet and loving, but you still play rough and hard. I am going to miss you sweet toddler years, but I know that there is still so much fun to come. I can't believe how grateful I am to the Lord for you. He knew that I needed you, and you are a blessing beyond my wildest imaginations. I can't believe that I get the privilege of being your Mom. I pray that the Lord will give me the wisdom to help you grow in the knowledge and love of Him every day. I love you, my little Carson boy.

                                                                                                Love,

                                                                                                        Mommy



Totally 80's-For My 30th!

This year was the big 3-0 for me. Surprisingly, I was excited about turning 30. It seems to be the threshold of "real" adulthood, but not only that, I am quickly realizing that life moves fast, better not to mourn things that do not merit sadness. Turning 30 is one of those things. I am not, nor am I anywhere close. Ask me again when I am 80. But I did feel that this merited a party. Perhaps it is rude to throw oneself a party (I wouldn't know, but feel free to ask Mrs. Post on my behalf.) but I really can't say that I did it solo, I had lots of help from my Honey and some very good friends.

Joel came up with the 80's theme (I won't force you to do the math, I was born in 1982.) and at first I kind of balked. What exactly constituted the 80's? Then it hit me: tacky is truly the best descriptive phrase for that decade. And tacky, well, I can do tacky!

I always have to have a banner and this one practically put itself together. Two packages of glitter foam and roll of black grosgrain ribbon from the dollar store. A little hot glue. Wah-lah!

I always have to have a banner. This one practically put itself together. Two packages of glitter foam and some grosgrain from the dollar store. Wah-lah!
My best decorating cohort in crime, Sarah, designed the invites for my party. I am realizing just now that I forgot to take a photo of the invitation. Perhaps later. Anyway, they were great neon colors with zebra print, and they were the springboard for the color scheme: pink and green with zebra print. Awful, yes? The pink plastic containers are from the dollar store, and the confetti is from Party City ($3). The plates, tablecloth, napkins and favor boxes are from Hobby Lobby. Joel bought the vintage record for my cake plate. (Goodwill, $0.50) (See, Mom, I am using my crock from Goodwill that you bought me!)

It actually turned out really cute. And much nicer than those silly "over the hill" parties people do for 30. The only thing that said "30" was my store-bought banner from Hobby Lobby (that is also where I got the spirals from as well). I don't usually do the diva style-you know, hot pink and animal prints, but it went so well for this!

One of my favorite things of the whole party was the "photo booth". So simple, but it was fantastic having a picture of everyone at the end of the night! I asked each couple to pose when they came in. I didn't miss anyone and it will make a great page when I do a photobook.

The setup could not have been simpler. I took my rolling wardrobe rack, raised it to it highest position and extended the arms. I covered it with a full size white sheet and draped the banner over it.

I made little "speech bubble" signs with neon poster board and balloon sticks. I usually throw at least 3-4 parties in a given year and balloon sticks (purchased at Hobby Lobby) have saved me countless dollars on helium filled balloons. Just pop a cheap-o balloon that you blew up yourself into the plastic collar and you have stand up balloons just the right height for table decor.

They worked perfectly taped to the back of my bubbles as handles. By the way, they said, "Rad!", "Totally Cool!" "Like Awesome, Dude!" and "Cowabunga!" I was not smart enough to open my mouth the way you are supposed to, so it looks like you are talking. Still cute, though.

Click on the photo to enlarge the instructions for the photo booth.I printed it on the computer and popped it into an 8x10 frame from my house. The pink basket is filled with props: glasses, sheriff's badge, cheap bead necklaces, etc, for your photo taking enjoyment.

The party favors. I have two party rules, well actually three, now. 1. You must have balloons. 2. You must have a banner. 3. You must have favors, no matter the age or sex of the party-goers. I think my mom did that to me.

The favors were so fun to put together. They included a variety of candy, and then each had different toys for the boy ones and the girl ones. The guys had the sticky "wall-walker" dudes and a Rubik's cube. You did not live in the 80's if you do not know what a Rubik's cube is. Thank you, Party City, for providing them in perfect colors for $0.59 each!

The girls' favors were fun, too. They each got a cheap animal print ring and a really fun "make your own friendship bracelet" kit- also from Party City. That place has the BEST selection of favors. And I love that you can buy them individually-perfect when you have an unusual number of guests! And so inexpensive- the rings were $0.25 and the kits were $0.59. Even the Sixlets and Pop Rocks were priced individually! I bought the Smarties, Toostie Pops and Fun Dips at Target.

I forgot that I had bought Pixie Stix. :( I always forget something at a party, so I guess that wasn't too bad. All the boys favors were green and the girls were pink.

Set up was pretty simple. My dear, gracious friend, Christy offered up her house for the shindig. Ours is way too small to have more than about 6 people. It was great! The zebra lanterns, tablecloth and scrapbook paper used as a runner are all from Hobby Lobby.

The prizes were fun, too. Bubble Tape, slinky, cheap plastic bangles, candy necklaces, a klacker- all reminded me of my childhood. We played some great games. My friend Sarah's husband put together a fantastic movie clip game that was a smash hit. She did a balloon popping trivia game, and I did a riddle game using songs from the top 100 of the 80's. There were also prizes for best costume, because you can't have an 80's party without dressing up!

I used the glow in the dark stars, and borrowed the Rubik's cube and rings from the favors to use as table scatter.

A pulled back shot of the photo booth, along with the tripod. That worked so well for taking photos- I even got a few decent self-timer shots.

My "too cool for school" hubby and me all decked out in our 80's best. When Sarah and I went shopping for our outfits were were amazed that all those ugly clothes are back in style! My dress is from Charlotte Russe ($15) and also that crazy ugly necklace. The headband is from Party City ($3) and the bracelets I already had. You can't see my shoes, but they were crocheted flats from Kohl's ($4). It came together well once I teased the tarnation out of my hair- it took 3 applications of hairspray to get it that full-it is pretty flat normally!

And what is a birthday without an unflattering, about to blow out the candles, photo? It is really awkward to have 12 other adults sing to you while you stand there.  It was worth the wait for the cakes though: red velvet and Tuxedo Cream Mousse Cheesecake by the Cheesecake Factory (both from Costco).

Someone joked that once I pulled the candles out that it looked like eyes. So I added a mouth.

It was a fabulous party. Everyone had a great time (although that could have just been because we were all so giddy without our children!) and we are already planning our next one. It could have also been the food- I am a big fan of catering. We had Rudy's Barbeque and it was wonderful! Good food, great friends and plenty of laughter. It was a marvelous way to start off my third decade!

Thanksgiving and A Birthday

My Thanksgiving baby had another Thanksgiving birthday this year. Josie was born on a Thanksgiving Thursday and this year she turned six on Thanksgiving day. It was fun to remember all the excitement of her delivery! Her dad gave her flowers (she loves flowers, such a girl!) as a wake-up gift.

 Her brother gave her pajamas and bunny slippers for Kit. She was thrilled! I thought it was hilarious that she slept with her bow in- it made her look so cute for her photos. Usually, we do breakfast in bed, but since we weren't going out for lunch, we had a special birthday breakfast at McDonald's. A sausage McGriddle is one of the birthday girl's favorite things.

 We had been invited to have dinner at our friends' house, so we had a very peaceful morning. I whipped up my most favorite Thanksgiving dish, sweet potato casserole, while the rest of the family took in the Black Friday ads and the parade.

 I wanted to snap a shot of one of our favorite traditions: watching the Macy's parade. Jocelyn couldn't believe it was on when I was a little girl. We really should have a tradition of watching the dog show-that is what I watched while I was in labor with her!

 I also wanted a good picture of my two favorite turkeys. I got some really good ones-for once! This one is such an accurate representation of their personalities.

 Josie was excited to get to spend her birthday with her best friend, Hannah. I was excited that I didn't have to cook! Lunch was delicious, thanks to my dear friend, Sarah, and her sweet mom. It is so nice to not have to spend the holiday with just our little family. I always miss my wonderful extended family, and it helps make it a little easier when you are with good friends.

 Jocelyn discovered a love of pumpkin pie! It is kind of tough to fit 6 candles in a little piece of pie- next time her birthday is on Thanksgiving we will have to put them on the whole thing!

 A girl after my own heart: she used her candles to lick all the Cool Whip off her plate. Pumpkin pie without cool whip is like a mashed potatoes without gravy-except for worse!

 Another favorite tradition is making a snack-craft. We did turkeys last year and this year I copied these little acorns from my sister.

 These were a snap, and the kids loved making them! It is:half a mini Nutter Butter cookie, an unwrapped Hershey's kiss and a mini chocolate chip (we stuck ours on with a little bit of peanut butter piped out of sandwich baggie). So easy, so cute!

They were obviously a hit with Carson, who clearly takes after his dad. Josie had a great birthday, and we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Who can go wrong with good food and great friends?