best year yet : saying no to the party

Because I am generally exhausted these days, I really didn't want to throw Henry a 'friend' birthday party this year.  So, I used my most enthusiastic tone of voice and convinced him that going to a movie with some of his friends would be way more fun.

Today, we took three of his friends to go see Planes and then to McDonald's for ice cream cones.  It was a genius move, if I do say so myself.  The boys had a blast.

With Pinterest as my witness, I promise to rededicate myself to the cause of throwing awesome birthday parties for my kids.  

Next year.

best year yet : september birthdays

We have a lot of September birthdays in the Gunnell family.  Five, to be exact.  So, last Sunday, on my mom's actual birthday, we had a September birthday party.

It included yummy Cafe Rio pork salad, video chats and phone calls with those who weren't there, cherry chip cake, and a really funny birthday card about how old I am.  Heh.  (Not that funny.)

Okay, pretty funny.

30

Well, it's all over now.

I mean my self-imposed writing challenge is over.  Not my life or anything.  I'm not trying to be overly dramatic about turning 30. 

It is an ending of sorts, but also a beginning.  Doesn't it always work that way?

My sister tells me that in your thirties, you start to feel more comfortable in your own skin, that you have more awareness and acceptance about who you are.  One of the reasons I wrote about my life was in preparation for that, and to figure out who I am and where I've been.

Thank you for reading.  Sincerely.  I have loved your comments and feedback.

Here's to the next 30.

henry's fourth birthday party

 Henry wanted a Superhero party for his fourth birthday.  So, I consulted Pinterest.  

We set up 'training stations' for our superheros.  

Hero Jump

Vaporize a Villan

Lava Walk

Superhero Strength

Laser Maze

We also had Pulverize a Pinata, but I didn't get a picture of that one.

We did have prize bags for all heroes who completed their training activities.

Henry had so much fun with all his friends.  We're so lucky to have so many to celebrate with.