a party for John Paul

Well, as it turns out, delaying the birthday party by a week (so the big kids could join) amped up the excitement level and anticipation level and spread out the celebrating - perfect.

John Paul was ready for "my birthday party day" and so were the little friends.  And their older siblings.  And their younger siblings.  It was an excited crowd.

We celebrated at an indoor play area - complete with bumper cars and a kid-sized pirate ship and merry-go-round and ball pit and pretty much more noise than any one mother should endure.  But it was worth it!

It was also ideal for January - cold and wet and 40 degrees today.

After an afternoon of fun we headed to McDonalds for dinner (and to join up with Matt, and some of the other dads).

21 kids total. and this was by far the quietest table :).

Isaac and his pack of friends.

This table was a bit of a wild card - probably ten 4-6 year olds.  I only got one picture, of John Paul with his lady friends :).

And after dinner we decided it would be best to take Matt upstairs and show him the party spot - and maybe even enjoy another quick ride on the bumper cars.

Whew.  Blue Frog last night.  Birthday party and McDonalds tonight.  Tomorrow I'm ready to eat some of my own cooking and aim for something a bit more low-energy!