Joshie's 4th Birthday Party

Joshie's birthday is on Sunday, so today we had a little friends birthday party for him.  A while back Josh decided he wanted a Popcorn birthday party.  What can I say - the boys likes his popcorn.  So first we mailed out these invites:

Not bad, right?  (The smudge is our address, in case you're wondering.)

Then we decided that a popcorn birthday had to have popcorn cupcakes.  What do you think?

I think the marshmallows really look like popcorn!  So did the kids, apparently, because they all wanted the cupcakes with sprinkles.  Go figure.

This is the first time I've entertained in our new house.  I have to say, I reallllly love having the wetbar downstairs, especially since we now have a fridge down here too.  It makes life so much easier!

Big Kudos to Grandma Susie for finding these awesome popcorn bags for the party favors (which I forgot to give to some of the kids, dang it!) and for eating our popcorn.  I thought they were great!

They set the color scheme for the party - red and orange. 

I drove across town with a dozen helium balloons and two kids in the back of my mini van. You've never seen such happy, giggly, and entertained little boys!

Here's the birthday boy - refusing to pose for a birthday photo.  Growling at his mother.  Because that's how he rolls.

He was actually quite anxious for all of his friends to arrive.  He was quite excited to take the gifts they brought and then show his little friends downstairs to the party!

It was a typical four-year-old party.  We played a few games - like Don't Eat Popcorn Pete.  But mostly the kids just played with toys and each other.  Us mommas chatted and tried to prevent too much kid-related damage.

Finally, it was time for the birthday candles!  I thought Josh would totally be into this.  He loves to be the center of attention.  (Heck - half of his behavior - good or bad - is related to him wanting attention!) 

But no. 

He wanted NOTHING to do with blowing out candles. 

He wouldn't sit in the chair, he wouldn't listen to the birthday song, he would not cooperate at all.

It wasn't until I threatened to blow the candles out myself that he finally got his act together.

Pesky child.  I didn't really expect his "terrible three's" stage to be over right away just because we were having his birthday.  But I was kinda hoping...

Well, despite his protests against the candles, he had no protests whatsoever against eating the cupcakes and ice cream.

He also didn't mind opening his gifts. 

He didn't act that impressed right then, but trust me - he loved his presents and played with them all afternoon!

As you can see, he really liked the knight outfit his friend Cassidy brought for him!

Thank you to all the fun friends who came to Joshie's birthday party - it was a fun afternoon!