Anh spent the morning alone with the three kiddos as I enjoyed a little peace and quiet at the salon. I planned that well, didn't I?! I got credit for being brave earlier in the week when I ventured into a toy store with the three, but Anh really deserves the pat on the back because he braved the playground! Somehow, Anh protected both Baylor and Ethan from walking in front of swings and falling from high places (no small feat!) all while not losing track of Jax. I wasn't that confident in my abilities and avoided the scenario completely.
That afternoon, we all met back up for lunch at the airport. Yes, you read that correctly...the airport. We live approximately 10 minutes from our small regional airport, and for months, I've wanted to checkout the little restaurant that overlooks the runway. I figured there was no better time to do it than when entertaining three young boys, two of which are obsessed with all modes of transportation.
Let me tell you, this was a huge success! The food was great and the outdoor seating positioned directly over the runway was the ideal entertainment for all. We watched numerous small planes and helicopters come and go on what was clearly a busy Saturday for the air traffic controllers. Seriously, I loved it! Forget the kids! I'm going back regularly for my own enjoyment.The grand finale was watching this bad boy land and park right below us. The army officers that filed off the plane seemed thrilled to be greeted by young fans. Sadly, we were not invited down for a tour. I guess the military has rules they have to follow.
So, I'm looking for dining companions...Aunt Glenda & Uncle Robert, any openings next week? Time to gas up your plane! I'm sure the flight from Texas would be scenic, and I can guarantee a fun crowd at the dining table once you arrive.
At the last minute, after seeing that Mother Nature was not going to cooperate, Anh and I made the executive decision to relocate the actual party from the park pavilion to our much warmer house. The game plan was to meet our guests at the pond, fish until frozen, and then return to our house to defrost & continue the good times. To set the stage, I ordered a fishing themed cake for the birthday boy and draped the tables with fishing nets accented with fishing lures (hooks removed, of course).
Plus, Aunt Nguyen and I made fish-shaped rice krispie treats and sugar cookies.
Continuing the theme, Jax filled some fish bowls with Goldfish crackers and Swedish Fish...
And I placed some cute little fishing-themed accessories (like Aunt Glenda & Uncle Robert's antique fishing game) around the house.
We even found coolers that looked like fishing bobbers and filled them with juice boxes for the kids...
Fish coozies doubled as utensil holders...
And, as party favors we gave the kids tackle boxes filled with candy "bait" to pair with the cane fishing poles that Grandfather and Uncle Travis made especially for the party. Everything was beyond cute in my very humble and completely unbiased opinion. Thank you so much for the help, Everyone!
Like I said before, once we gathered at the park, the kids weren't going to let some freezing temps interrupt their adventure. With a quick round of instruction, they were fishing like pros. Sadly, the fish just weren't biting.
There was a moment of excitement when we all thought Jax had a bite, but the big catch turned out to be some pond scum. Yeah, not exactly the "big one" we were all hoping for. Oh well!
Notice Baylor pointing to the giant piece of cake he wanted!
Knowing that the sugar rush would result in a burst of energy, I tried to provide the kids with some activities. Some were structured projects like cookie decorating. This appealed mainly to the girls.
The boys naturally gravitated towards the toy fishing game. I guess it's in their competitive nature.
Of course, both the boys and the girls were HUGE fans of the playroom. That place was a mad house! Only a few parents dared climbing the stairs to witness the insanity, most were either having too much fun in the cocktail party-style environment downstairs to care what was happening upstairs or they were afraid of what they might see. Either way, the kids were having fun while the parents were entertained. It was like two parties in one!
Jax (with his OCD tendencies) piled his goodies on the couch next to Uncle Travis for safekeeping from his little brother's curious hands.
Grandfather & Grandma made out like bandits too. While they lacked quantity, hopefully the quality of the gifts made up for it.
Aunt Kelly scored this season's must-have gift...the zebra print Snuggie!!! She made fun of it endlessly on Christmas Eve, but she's been using it pretty much non-stop since she unwrapped it. So while it was intended as a gag gift, it looks like it will get some use during the cold NYC winter.
I could go on & on about all the wonderful gifts that the kids (and the adults) received, but I certainly wouldn't want to make anyone jealous. Let's just say that every single member of the family was spoiled this year. Next Christmas, we'll have to dial things back just a bit or hope that someone wins the lottery between now & then.
I can say that Grandfather was envious of the construction themed dinnerware that Baylor received from Aunt Glenda & Uncle Robert. I had to double-check the cabinet when he left to make sure it wasn't smuggled out when we weren't looking. I guess we know what dinnerware Grandfather will use during future visits.
The boys have proven to be party animals from day 1. So you know they weren't going to miss out on any of the fun.
Jax taught Baylor to "cheers," and Baylor took an instant liking to the tradition. He was spreading his cheer around the room with each and every one of us, multiple times. He was a cheers-ing addict!
I guess he's nice & warmed up for New Year's Eve!
"Don't even think about stealing my horn, Big Brother!"
"Happy Birthday to You...Happy Birthday to You...Happy Birthday, Dear Baylor...
Just like his big brother, Baylor doesn't like to get his hands dirty.
"Yummy!!!"
"It's kind of hard to enjoy my cake with all of you staring at me!"
A quick wardrobe change.
Is he spoiled or what?! Thank you, Uncle Robert & Aunt Glenda!
