Caden's Golden Birthday!!

Caden's birthday was June 9th.  He typically has a "friends" party, but this year my sister Tricia and her family just happen to be in town for the week on Caden's birthday.  So he asked if he could have his girl cousins over for his party.  So I decided to invite the entire Gutwein family to come have a day of fun in the sun and then eat dinner at our place and have a small party for Caden.  He chose the Despicable Me theme.

 Made up some napkins/silverware combo.  Then made a banner to hang up.

 Decorated the tables to be minions and made some little minion people to put onto the tables.

Saw this on pintrest and made little minion vases.  

Jerry and Jancie Gutwein's Grandkids!!

 Then I decided to asks my parents if they wanted to rent this slide for the family:).  Of course they were happy to and wow did we every have fun!!  The adults of course joined in the fun and we had obstacle course races, we had timed races and we had two people head on races.  Lots of tackling, fighting, and even a few injuries:(.  How are you feeling tricia???  Thanks to mom and dad for a fun fun time!!!  We all LOVED it.

 Then it was time to head in for dinner.  Loaded (anything and everything you can imagine) haystacks and fresh fruit.

 Kids tables filled with little kiddos and basement table had the older kiddos.

 Caden opening his cards.  He asked for money this year.  Had plans to purchase a new ipod touch, but then found out his brother wanted to sell his, so he bought Elijah's used Ipod touch.  Now he has money left over to spend elsewhere.

 I made a half sheet cake minion for him.  I think he was happy with the end results.

 Happy GOLDEN 9th birthday Caden!!!!  We love you so very much!!

Happy 12th Birthday!!

I realize this post is way over due!!  Elijah turned 12 on May 11th, but we did not have a party for him until May 31st.  He wanted to wait until school was out for the year.  He decided to have just a couple friends over and go bowling, then out for pizza and back to our house for a slumber party.  So he invited his cousin Avery and his really good friend Ethan.

All ready to bowl!!  Played two games.  Avery won the first game and Elijah the second game.

After a few pointers from Nick, Avery was ready to bowl.  He hadn't bowled since he was 5 yrs old I think.

 No pictures at pizza hut, but then we came home.  Elijah opening his gifts.  He got a water gun from Ethan and candy/gift card to Barnes and Noble from Avery.

 Cake Time!!  I gave Elijah many different options and recipes to look at and even a few cookbooks to look through to find what cake he wanted.  This is the cake he chose.  A three layered Salted Caramel Cake.

Enjoying the cake and ice cream.

Thanks Avery and Ethan for coming over and making Elijah's birthday extra special.  You two are very dear friends of his and we are so thankful he has friends like you!!

We love you Elijah and continue to pray you keep Christ in the center of your life and lean on HIM when times get tough.  Happy 12th Birthday!!!