Every year we have a birthday party for Alyssa and Ryan. On some years it falls on their birthdays; other years it’s a few days before or a few days after. This year, Ryan’s birthday was on a Tuesday, so we had a small celebration at home (just us + Jason and a small ice cream cake), and the actual party with family and close friends set for Sunday, July 31st.
In past years we’ve held the parties at our house; starting with Ryan’s fourth birthday we’ve moved them to the pavilion at a local park. It’s nice to have more room, plenty of parking for everyone, a quicker clean-up process and a nice clean, empty home to relax in later!
This year’s party was probably the best yet. We had the biggest turnout from Dan’s family (it’s awesome when just about everyone can make it!), including his grandparents who just moved here from Idaho last winter; and Amanda, her husband Austin and their daughter Sophie came; and even Ryan’s therapist stopped by. My sixteen year old brother came, of course, since he’s now living with us; and I was able to bring my thirteen year old brother as well. I did not invite my mom not only because of the tension/awkwardness that would ensue, but also because CPS has told us in no uncertain times that there is to be no unsupervised (by them) contact between my mother and my sixteen year old brother.
It was hot, but not humid, and unlike last year, there was no torrential downpours or threats of a hurricane to worry about. Instead, there was plenty of sunshine, lots of food and cake, great presents (just ask Ryan – I think he’s torn between the new Nintendo DS1 Dan’s aunt, uncle and sister gave him; and the “Ryan Street” sign Jason got for him!), and plenty of fun. Oh, and icy cold water. Heh. When you get to the last pictures you’ll understand.
(Thanks Amanda for snapping some of these!)
- he left his DSi at the doctor’s office last week, and whoever found it took it instead of turning it in. Assholes. ↩
Cute pictures! Ryan looks like he really enjoyed his party, and Alyssa and the other kids look like they’re having a blast, too. You look very summery! :D I love all the bright colors!
Poor Dan! : (
I’m glad his party went well! Looks like everyone had fun.