Bowlin' with Nolan

It's taken me five long years, but I've finally had an epiphany. It's suddenly been revealed to me why people pay to have their parties done at places where everything is taken care of. There was no stress of making sure that our house was clean, lawn mowed, flowers planted (like we could actually keep them alive or something). And it was wonderful not waking up at the crack of dawn to make hot dogs and food.

And clean up. Need I say more?

Yes, of course it was more money but worth. every. penny. We're cheap, I mean really cheap when it comes to birthday parties. We've either had them at our house, at the park, or at our church. For the first time ever, we had it indoors and it was a good thing we did because we woke up to pouring rain.

Invitations went out. And yes, my husband has mad graphic artist skills. Don't hate.

 

You know you married a keeper when not only did he make this rockin' invite, but he meticulously iced bowling ball and pin cookies for me. That's love right there, folks. 

None of this would have been possible without my mother-in-law making dozens of cookies for me while I was at work. Love her.

Never mind the half eaten bowling ball. I had to make sure it wasn't poisonous. You know me, self-sacrificing and always looking out for the kids. 

Cookies…check

Cake in hand…check

Next? Get your bowling shoes on, it's time for bowlin'!

Nolan's only bowling experience has been with our Wii game. For a five year old, he pretty much shows us up every time we play.

He bowled  a 56, not too bad for a ball he could hardly lift. And I think the love for skee ball just might be in our blood.



Bowling actually kept everyone's attention, a full hour. It was hard for everyone to wait their turn but can you blame them?

Once we were finished bowling, we headed to the party room.

I don't believe you've met my amazing cake. Let me introduce you. My cake lady hinted that she might not do birthday party cakes anymore. Can you see when I'm a little bummed?



And no the cake lady didn't mess up on the bowling ball. That would be "Exhibit A" evidence that my two year old also was looking out for party guests to make sure the cake wasn't poisonous. Where ever would he get such a crazy idea?

It's a pillow! It's a pet! It's a PILLOW PET! This thing has hardly left his side since the party.

And Nolan's friend, Ben…seriously, could his face be any more priceless? Gotta love when kids have a good excited and this kid has it down!

I'm sure my niece, Madison, won't appreciate this next photo but it's a cute one of Campbell so she'll have to suffer.

This was by far the easiest party we've ever done. They even served all our guests and I actually got to talk with people at the party and enjoy him opening his gifts. What a novel idea. Again, worth every penny.

And this boy is a professional candle blower.



Is it just me or does it look like he's mocking the fact that he's growing and getting older so fast? I think he thinks this is funny.