Birthday Party at My Gym

I decided to retire the Pi Mile Run/Walk after last spring. After nine years, it was time. When I told my department about the decision, one of the reasons I cited was that we wanted to be able to have birthday parties for the boys. It was just too much to try to pull off both when April is already one of the most stressful school months of the year. So, this year we were able to host a "real" birthday party for the boys at a play place called "My Gym". Every time Reid talks about it, he calls it "your gym". Confusing when you can't read. I can't remember if I blogged about it, but Aiden and I went there in January for Cousin Jacob's birthday party. Reid was sick, so he stayed home with Eric. I'm glad Jeani does such a good job of finding all these fun kids' places.

We supplied the party decorations:

Cake from the same bakery where my birthday cake came from. So cute!

Reid and Aiden were able to explore around and play while waiting for the guests to arrive.

The hosts alternate between directed play and free play. They were really enthusiastic and great with kids.

Reid did get bonked when he ran through the Gauntlet, which made him cry. I think it was shock and hurt pride more than anything. I offered to run through while holding him on the return trip and he was fine after that.

Riding the birthday sled:

Twelve total:

We also supplied apple juice boxes and ice cream cups to go with the cake.

The guests...
Isaac, one of our neighbors,
Cousin Leah,
Cousin Jacob:

Another pic of Leah and Jacob:

Mikayla, from preschool,
Daisy, daughter of my teacher friends, Brian and Emily:

Grace, Brian and Emily's older daughter,
Kinley, from preschool,
Kaya, daughter of my teacher friend, Melissa:

Kellen, from preschool,
Charlotte, from preschool:

Listening to the zip line rules:

Aiden:

Reid:

Jacob:

Leah:

The birthday boys each got to ride one more time:

I almost forgot to get a cousin picture. Luckily, John was on the ball.

The boys received such nice presents.

I think this one is my favorite. It's a HEXBUG Nano V2 Barrel Roller. The little bugs have batteries in them which make them vibrate so they look like they're crawling around like bugs.

Winding down with a little iPad time. As good of use for a landing as anything, I guess.