Alaric's Brithday Party

Saturday was AMAZING!!!!!!!! Who knew 20 toddlers and their parents could have so much fun. THANK GOD we decided months ago to rent to community building in Monticello. We got home at 8PM Friday night and dumped everything inside our home- 14 loads of laundry, luggage, tons of birthday gifts, etc. If we would have had to have hosted, we would have been up all night. Instead we were asleep by 11PM!

Here Alaric is before the party with is construction hat, bew sweatshirt, and new toolbelt from mommy and daddy.
Mara was ready for the fun to begin too!

Here's Alaric and his friends at the playdough station. We made our homemade playdough in Galesburg. it was a hit.

My neice Veronica was so stinking cute in her John Deere hat and braids!

We created a book corner with all the constuction books he has, some pillows, and his Bob the Builder doll and Build a Bear. It was great for those who just needed some quiet time away from the craziness!

My mom created a masterpiece, as always!

The biggest hit was our swimming pool filled with seed from the nearby elevator. Brian's co-worker got it for us ( Thanks Chris). A few scoops and some dump trucks and you have hours of fun!

We dressed up as Bob the Builder and Wendy

HEre the kids are in the block corner. Thanks to Grammy and Papa, Barb from church and Aunt Jen and Uncle for letting us borrow their blocks. Another big hit.

We also had a coloring station where the kids could pick tons of different coloring sheets.

When the kids arrived, they each got their time card punched as they had lots of "work" to do! They received their personalized construction hat and got working! When they left, they had to punch out. Their favor also included play money to pay them for their hard work.

Instead of everyone bringing gifts of anykind ( since Alaric has way too many things already) we bought Alaric his very own real toolbox and asked people to bring just one item to fill the box. A flashlight, screwdriver, tape, paintbrush, wrench, etc. It was great.

We also pick a service project each year. This year, Alaric helped us decided what to do. He wanted it to have something to do with building. We decided to gather work gloves for Piatt County Habitat for Humanity!

Here most of the attenders are...the older neighbors and the babies didn't make the shot!

To get everyone quiet for ice cream and cake, we blew a whistle and said it was break time. Then I read Alaric's favorite BOB story- Bob's Birthday!

Then it was time for yummy cake and ice cream!

Here you can see how big the room was. It was ideal! Perfect actually. I imagine many more parties here- especially since it was only $35 for the WHOLE DAY!!!! Best part- Bri and I thought we'd be there all afternoon cleaning. Instead, everyone chipped in and we were turning the light out and walking out the door at 12:06!!!!!!!!!!! it was heaven!