Kyler's Birthday Parties

Kyler had two birthday parties this year.  The first one was the weekend of his actual birthday with our families.  Kyler's birthday fell on a Sunday this year, so it was fun to have a party the day before, so close to his actual birthday.  It was somewhat bittersweet as it would be the last birthday celebrated in our first home!  The party started about 5:30.  It was such a nice day out, which we were thankful for, so that people could enjoy being outside in the backyard too.  After everyone had arrived, we enjoyed pulled pork sandwiches, chips, cheesy potatoes, fruit and relishes.  After dinner, the kids went outside to play basketball and run around the yard, while the adults chatted inside.  We then called everyone in so that Kyler could open his presents.  After Kyer opened presents, we sang "Happy Birthday" and had cake and ice cream.  Kyler requested a Lego themed party this year, so his cake was the shape of a Lego. :)  After cake and ice cream, everyone enjoyed some more time chatting and playing, and then the party ended around 9:00.  As sad as it was knowing this would be the last birthday celebration in our house, it is also so exciting to think about the next party and all the space we will have to have people over!  Here are some pictures from Kyler's first "family" party.

All ready for his party!

A sibling photo :)

The LEGO cake!

Party decorations

Kids table :)

Henry and Geneva :)

Grace had to join the kids table :)

The game of basketball :)

The truck Henry made Kyler

Sweatshirt from Leah!

HUGE bag of gummy bears from Ben :)

Legos from Grandma Nadene and Grandpa Gary

Checking out one of his cards :)

Singing "Happy Birthday" :)

Enjoying cake!

Henry wiping Grace's face :)  The oldest and youngest at the party :)

Kyler with Henry and Geneva

The day after Kyler's "family" party was his official birthday.  It was on a Sunday this year, so we got up and got ready and headed to church.  After church we came home and had lunch and then the kids laid down for their rests.  As soon as they got up from their naps, Kyler had one present at our house to open, and then his other present was at my parent's house.  The present that was at my parent's was a battery operated gator.  A little background on this…..I have always thought the kids would have fun with one of those battery cars.  I thought that if we were going to get one, the kids are at the right age, and if we waited much longer, Kyler would almost be too big.  I looked online and narrowed it down to a gator, as it had two seats and I knew Norah would want to ride along, as well as Grace at some point.  I also knew that new gators are expensive…..more than I wanted to spend.  So I began watching Craigslist to see if I could find a gently used one, and I did, except it was in DSM.  Luckily for me, my brother is in DSM :), and he was willing to go and pick it up, store it for me in his apartment, and then haul it back here for me!  SO grateful for all his help!  So then it was stored at my parent's until the big day. :)  After Kyler opened his present at our house, we told him there was one more at Grandma and Grandpa's, as he knew we were heading there for dinner anyways.  So we headed to my parent's and then lead him outside to his birthday present from us.  After he played for a while, we then had dinner and cake to celebrate Mr. Kyler turning 6!  Here are a few pictures from the day!

Ready to open his present

An Olaf shirt!  Something he had been wanting :)

Coming out with his eyes closed….

Opening it….

Checking it out!

Going for a spin….

I feel like I have fast-forwarded about 10 years with this picture :)

Grace thought she needed a turn :)

Kyler's other birthday party was his "friend" party, however it wasn't until two weeks after his birthday, as we moved the weekend in between. :)  We invited a few close families and their kids over to celebrate Kyler's birthday.  Since we were kind of "homeless", we decided again to have his "kid" party at the Big House at church.  Kyler again wanted a Lego themed party.  The evening began about 5:30, and after everyone had arrived, we enjoyed a yummy supper of pizza casserole, salad, fruit, and chips.  After dinner, the kids played and did some crafts and activities for a while while the adults chatted. :)  A bit later, Kyler opened his presents and then we sang "Happy Birthday" and enjoyed cake and ice cream.  When we were finished, we enjoyed some more time hanging out, chatting and catching up.  Around 9:00, everyone headed home!  Here are some pictures from Kyler's "kid" party. :)

Kyler's Lego cupcakes :)

Ready for his party!

All ready!

The kids' table :)

Ready for presents

Checking out his volcano experiment

Opening another present

Ready for cupcakes!

Singing "Happy Birthday"

We are so thankful for everyone who helped us celebrate Kyler's birthday!  He was so blessed by all his wonderful gifts and all the people who came to support him.  It was so fun to watch him get so excited for his birthday as he continues to understand what it means. :)  Happy Birthday Kyler!