Grandma's 80th Birthday

I got to help my mom and Aunt put together nice surprise party for my Grandmother's 80th birthday. 

They got to do the sneaky things like "borrow" her picture albums and address book. I just got to help come up with favor ideas and a few decorations. 

Mom and I went shopping when she was here for Owen's birthday and we picked up these little brown bags and she spotted a rubber stamp that was too perfect to not get. She had the daunting task of stamping all those bags though! Her and my aunt stuffed them with penny candy for an "old fashion" feel. 

There were also bags filled with Coke or Orange Crush in the bottle and a bag of peanuts. 

Danny and I made this photo collage with copies of pictures mom made from Grandma's photo albums.

Mom picked up some old milk bottles and flowers....

 and there might have been a little entertainment as well...

she was surprised!

 I made these invitations using www.picmonkey.com and had them printed at our local print shop.

  Elvis might have gotten a tip :-)

She said it was the best and only birthday party she had ever had! 

Happy Birthday, Grandma! 

1st grade award ceremony

I received an email and a note from Owen's teacher telling me he would be receiving one of 5 awards for his class. She didn't say which one, but I wasn't too surprised when his name was called for being a REMARKABLE RAM! He is a role model for his peers, is kind, follows directions and does what is asked of him. 

I am so proud of Him!

Owen's 7th Birthday Sleepover

Owen was quick to ask for a sleepover this year when we started talking about his birthday and I'll admit, I thought it was going to be easy and low key... who am I kidding? 

Owen invited 6 of his best friends and all but 1 was able to come. We had 8 boys and Audrey. Danny seemed to think this is what it feels like to be a Dugger.

The kids all played outside until it started to get dark and then they came in for a scavenger hunt. I hid Rats around the house with a mission tied to their tails. This was "Splinter's Scavenger Hunt."

1. They had to battle the slime in the sewer (I hung green balloons and streamers in the basement for this one.)

2. Locate the 6 manholes hidden in the sewer.

3. Complete the Ninja training course upstairs

4. Create Ninja weapons out of Legos and Trio Blocks

5. Find the hidden turtles in Owen's room

6. Battle it out with Glow in the dark silly string

I made these TMNT cupcakes for the party guests. They seemed to be a hit!

a fully stocked fridge for a house full of boys!

You can't have a Ninja Turtle party with out PIZZA!

or sewer slime (lime jello...it was a hit!)

The boys did their share of video games and building with Legos. There might have been a little dance off to "What does the fox say?", "Gangnum Style" and all those Gummy Bear songs in there night of fun as well.

The boys ended their night with one boy telling the Legend of Chima in a dark room with a lantern while Owen acted out the animals as shadow puppets on the wall.

It was a lot of fun and Owen said it was the best birthday ever...which make it all worth it!