Party Time

Since Jaydon and Ella were born only 6 days apart we decided to have a joint party for the kiddos. We invited everyone in the compound and decorated the club house for an unforgettable birthday bash. Jaydon was sure to give us a hand with picking up the balloons, he's actually a much better driver than most of the people on the roads around here (don't worry he only does his driving in the safety of the compound with dad). After getting the balloons it was time to set up and try on the party hats. Both Cheryl and I made tons of cupcakes so that no one could feel shy about joining the fun with kids. The theme was also 1st cupcake so we couldn't go wrong with too many of them. Jaydon helped me figure out where to put all the balloons and then he and Ella got a little playing in before the big event started. Our next door neighbors are from Mexico and they have 2 kids, their youngest just a few months younger than Jaydon and Ella, and they love to make pinatas for parties. Well she had a great idea of making a pinata for Jaydon and Ella but rather than use paper mache she used cellophane, and rather than filling it with candy she filled it with balloons. It was a great idea and the perfect activity for the little kids to be involved in and for the bigger kids to help out with. Once everything was decorated it was time for the party to start. Everything you read says to keep your 1st birthday celebration small, well that's not really possible around here so we went for the opposite approach. Steve made a big pot of chili and we lit up the grill. Once everyone had lunch it was time for the big event of Jaydon and Ella's 1st birthday cupcakes. Jaydon was careful about the candle this time (or should we say mom and dad were) and took his first taste of cupcake. I think he liked it because he dug right in for more. Ella was enjoying hers too. Once they had a little cupcake we upped the anti by adding some ice cream. But we soon learned the trick to getting a couple of 1 year olds to use a spoon like old pros is to add whipped cream. Whipped cream was definitely the highlight for them both and also made the biggest mess. After all that eating it was time relax an enjoy the party. Jaydon got caught steeling Ella's pink sippy cup of milk. Fortunately he knows just when to be extra cute. He also went for a short flight before deciding that party time was over and it was time to head home. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAYDON!!