Maddie's Party

The day after Madeline's birthday was a Saturday, so we decided to host an outdoor party at our house that morning. Blessidly, the unseasonably HOT weather cooperated, and we had the only morning in the 90s since spring.

After borrowing a slip and slide from a friend, we had two of them at opposite ends of the yard, with an inflatable pool in the middle. I spent forever that morning filling and tying off water balloons, to the detriment of my fingers, only to have them all pop within the first few minutes of the party, most of them before anyone even touched them. We also had three large water guns.


We had 12 kids total, including Madeline and Katie, three of whom were younger siblings of Maddie's friends, and were Katie's age. It was very relaxed and fun. I was in charge of all the party details, and Franz was in charge of pictures and keeping the bees away.

We had panda balloon bouquets, coolers of drinks, cold fresh fruit, and panda cupcakes.

Madeline told us later it was her favorite party ever.

The party hours were from 10-12, but we had some stragglers still at 1. Just after 12, Jackson woke up from his morning nap, and came down to check out all the activity. He always has to warm up to life post-nap with a full sippy cup of rice milk, but then he is ready to go.

After everyone else had gone home, Daddy stepped in for some fun with Jackson. Jackson's favorite activity with Franz is something he calls "Wee." He runs up to Franz shrieking, "Wee, Daddy, wee!" over and over until Franz complies, throwing him up into the air and catching him on the descent. True to Forman male form, the thrills just aren't there for either of them anymore, unless they are getting some serious lift. Here is a snapshot of Jackson's favorite "Wee" ever.