bowling party

We celebrated Caden's birthday with a party at the bowling alley. We invited his cousin, Tegan, and 4 friends, Brock, Grayson, Luke, and Tanner. Tegan and all the boys, but Brock, go to preschool together. The kids all bowled and then we sang the obligatory Happy Birthday song, ate cake, and watched Caden open presents. It seemed like the kiddos all had fun bowling and I was relived that no one got hurt and there were almost no tears or hurt feelings. And the added bonus that I didn't have to clean up our house before or after the party.

the infamous bowling cake ~ chocolate of course

party table with party favors
We found these cool water bottles shaped like bowling pins online that we filled with candy and then tied on a miniature bowling game (from the dollar store!) and trophy to each one with each child's name written on them to make them extra special and personalized. We got several compliments from other parents and the kids seemed very excited about them. Definitely something different in the way of party favors. I was pretty proud of them, though they were quite simple to assemble.

our family watching the bowling action

Tanner and Luke waiting to bowl

Grayson and Tegan having fun bowling

The floor was a bit slippery and the kids fell a few times as they tried to bowl with all their might.

serious concentration; gotta love the tongue action

too heavy??

The bowling alley made this special message for Caden on the score screen and gave him a real bowling pin with his name and "Happy Birthday" written on it and a balloon tied around it. Caden was thrilled and we thought it was the extra special touch that made the day for the birthday boy.

the whole party gang

L to R: Luke, Brock, Caden, Tanner, Grayson, Tegan

blowing out the candles

What a great day for Caden! Thanks to everyone who helped make our birthday boy's party one to remember!

cousins

Born just 72 days apart (November 11, 2004 to January 21, 2005) these 2 are the best of friends. Usually, as in the pictures, they love each other fiercely. But like any best friends, at times they can also fight just as fiercely. I'm so glad they'll have each other growing up. Hopefully, they'll stay as close in the future as they are now.

happy 4th birthday, Caden!!

November 11, 2004 . . .a day we'll never forget! You arrived just before 11:00 in the morning on Veteran's Day and your great-great grandpa's birthday. You were big at 8 lbs. 3oz. and 20 in. long. You had a full head of black hair. Daddy and I loved you the moment we saw you! Daddy cried as soon as Dr. Breit announced you were a boy! We were so excited you were finally here. We waited a long time for you! As we celebrate your 4th birthday, and look back to see how much you've grown, I hope someday you'll know how very special you are and how much joy you bring to us each day. We love you, Caden!! Happy Birthday!

We celebrated on your birthday with dinner and cake and Pizza Hut with Cane Papa, Truck Grandma and Papa, Uncle Tim, Aunt Melissa, Tegan, and Mommy and Daddy.

Caden helped me decorate the chocolate cake with blue frosting

they're cute, but ornery!

enjoying pizza

just blew out the candles ~ I love that Tegan is licking her lips, ready for cake!

I think she liked it! Tegan just picked up her whole piece and took a big bite!

Caden Quotables

As Caden is putting on his superhero pj's last night: "Batman doesn't stink! He takes a shower everyday. It's true cause Cane Papa told me."

As Doug is helping Caden build a cowboy house out of his new birthday Lincoln Logs yesterday afternoon, "Now where's the cowboy's car?"

As Caden's trying to convince me to help him move the couch so he can retrieve a ball that had rolled under, "Mommy, we can do teamwork."

As Caden's licking the envelopes for his birthday thank you cards, "Mmmm, that's good candy!"