A Happy Two-Year Birthday Party!

We decided to have Joshua's birthday party at Gymboree of Lancaster this year. I saw this activity center for children ages 0-5 on an episode of Jon & Kate + 8, and when we went to check it out, the Bean LOVED it! Joshua had a great time! His cold symptoms didn't seem to bother him one bit - he played and played with his family and friends. All the kids were running and climbing and jumping and having a blast! We arrived first, and Julie & Dan, along with their kiddos Jude & Kate arrived next. Joshua immediately tried to get Julie into the action by putting a hoola-hoop on her. She returned the favor. :)Walking in the door with them was Kristen & her son Elliott. Julie, Kristen & I worked together at Masterpiece Marketing. Our boys are all close in age, and they had two daughters that are near the age of Caleb.Next Jasmine & Austin arrived! Jasmine is on the worship team at LHOP, and Austin was born a month after Joshua. We sit with them in the back of the church and the boys share their snacks and toys with each other. This small group started off by playing basketball.Next arrived Brian, Gayle, Grant & Jenavieve followed closely by my sister Jen, Mike, Grace, Faith, Emma & Daniel along with my Mom. Grandma Good came right around there, and so did my sister Becky. Shortly thereafter was our family friend Mary & her son Brayden followed by Nonie & Poppy, Aunt Alicia & Jordon, and my friend Suzanne. I don't think I missed anyone! The Gymboree folks were thrilled that everyone was on time and remembered their socks!Nonie & Poppy held Caleb and got him to sleep, which let me have a great time taking photos and enjoying the guests and kiddos! Grandma & Aunt Alicia also took turns holding our little love bug.The first game was the circle game. Joshua didn't want to join in because he was having so much fun climbing on the equipment and saying "hi" to everyone!The babies hung out in the "barn" - the theme for the day was 'Barnyard Friends.' For the most part, though, the kids just played and had fun. Here are some action shots...The next organized event was the log roll. Joshua watched a few times before climbing on...He LOVED all the stuff to play on at Gymboree. And everytime they announced that the party was for him, he lit up, grinned from ear-to-ear and clapped heartily.They asked for everyone to find a duck and bring it back to the pond. The kids started looking all over the room for the little ducks.Next they put things together to make a long tube. Here comes Brayden!After awhile, it was parachute time! They sing and play on top of and under the parachute.They sang to Joshua & got out the bubbles - a favorite Gymboree treat. Those bubbles were fantastic and didn't easily pop, allowing all the kids to enjoy them.After parachute & bubble time, it was time to eat cake and sing happy birthday! The children got to sit in their own little seats and wear hats. It was adorable.When they came out, they sang "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" with maracas. I think 99% of the kids really enjoyed those little noise makers!

I think both the kids and the adults had fun at the party. I know Joshua truly enjoyed himself, and Shawn & I were thrilled at the turnout and how well the party went. I thought watching the kids was especially neat-o burrit-o. Each child got a hand stamp and a gift bag as they left. We came home and opened Joshua's presents, and he began playing right away. With all the sugar from the cake, there was no nap (in fact he said, "no sleeping!" to us...ugh!!!). We ended the evening by going to church instead. Thanks to everyone who came to the party and made it a special day for the Bean!