Tyler's Birthday Party

Before we get to Tyler's birthday party let's backtrack to Friday.

After school, Lauren went home with her school friend Emma. This was the first time that someone other than my Mom has picked her up from school. (or from anywhere for that matter) It took all I had not to go and spy to make sure the pick-up went smoothly. =)



Everything went fine though and when I picked Lauren up from Emma's house I found the girls still enthralled in play. They had done some art projects, had a delicious lunch and played and played as girls can do. I know they played hard because this is Lauren in the car before we got home from the 15 minute car ride.

Out Cold

Today, Saturday, started off R-U-F-F!! Lauren and Tyler were at each other's throats. It seemed like one of them was on the "naughty chair" at all times. It even got to the point that Matt and I designated a Wooden Spoon to be used if necessary. It hasn't been used yet but it is a-waiting on top of the refrigerator.



Finally I had enough and sent both kids to take a nap to "re-group" at 11:30am. I woke them up at 1:30 and they were completely different children. I actually recognized these sweet kiddos as my own. (thank you to the inventor of NAPS!)



Since we napped right through lunch, they both hit up the snack table ASAP. For the party, I set up a grown up snack table on the kitchen table and also a munchkin snack table on the "little table."

Munchkin snacks = fish crackers, marshmallows & pretzels

Pretty soon Tyler's friends started to arrive. Three of his friends were able to come (along with their parents.) First on the agenda: FREE PLAY!

and some SNACKS!

then a little DUCK, DUCK, GOOSE!

Three Year Olds can only wait so long until it's presents and cake time. And I'm not one to disappoint. So on to PRESENTS.

Tyler received some Great and Unique presents: A Fisher Price Water Weed Wacker (so on Summer days he can help Daddy on the lawn,) a Lightening McQueen KITE and puzzle, huge Thomas the Train coloring pages, crayons, Cars note pad, and a moldable soap bath toy. Tyler loves all of his toys...as do I. I can't wait to get outside with the Kite on a windy day and I'm really looking forward to bath tomorrow night. Even Lauren was given a surprise gift of a princess puzzle!

After presents, it was time for Birthday Cake!

Tyler chose a Thomas the Train cake.

I was a little embarrassed to pull this cake out of the box since I invited a friend who makes the Fanciest Home-Made Cakes you've ever seen. (She assured me she'd still be my friend though.)

Tyler took about 30 tries to blow out his candles. And after Soaking his cake, I helped him out with the extinguishing blow.

and then it was Cake and Ice-Cream time...Whoo-ee!

the grown-ups ate cake too!

Mr. Penn State is running a Half Marathon tomorrow!! good luck!

After all the friends went home Lauren and Tyler got started on some coloring projects.

Tyler received the coolest Thomas coloring pages.

For dinner tonight I made a baked rice dish which had 3 different types of meat in it. (if you listen carefully you'll be able to hear Matt Jumping For Joy!)

the recipe can be found here...in English measurements so Good Luck.

left to right:

cubed chicken, cubed pork chop, ground pork meatballs

Dinner turned out pretty good. However, since I prepared meat in 3 different ways I expected more of a taste bud Bang. Oh well. The recipe made enough for 6 so we invited the neighbors over for dinner. Tyler and Shep had a blast together....or maybe I should say Tyler had a blast with Shep.

Lauren and Emma also had a good time together. Here they are raiding the pantry for some chocolaty snacks

Everyone had a lot of fun today. The party was perfect and the Severe Weather we were supposed to have didn't pass through our area. One storm avoided and another on the way later next week.

Have a great weekend y'all.