Eli is 6!!!

I can't believe it!  My big boy is SIX!!  I say that every year, I think.  Each year just goes by so fast.  This year his birthday fell on a Saturday so we decided right away that we would have his birthday party on his actual birthday.  However, all of our birthdays simply MUST begin with Donut King.

After donuts, we headed to the park to celebrate his birthday....Jedi Style!!!

Now you guys all know that I LOVE having home birthday parties where I can decorate myself into a tizzy and stress out for an entire week leading up to the party.  But Cory sort of hates what those parties turn me into.  So, he and I have come to an agreement that we will tone down the birthday parties and try to have them in an alternate location.  I am so glad we made that decision.

It was simple.

It was beautiful.

I was sane.

Kids were happy.

I could not dream up a more perfect day!


Now what kind of mom would I be if I didn't dress up like Princess Leia for my little Luke Skywalker??

And even though I was not stressing about the details of this party, fun themed food names are always a must!

My niece wanted to be Princess Leia too.

 Eli was so sweet.  He let Cooper blow out his candle because it is his absolute favorite thing in the world to do.

Pool Noodle light sabers were the best party favors EVER!  The genius who I copied off of deserves some serious props!

He got some super cool gifts, including this sweet and clever card from his big sis.

Then Cory led the kids on a little Jedi Training....

 ....which ended with a light saber battle with Darth Vader!!

He never stood a chance!

Afterwards, the kids all took turns being Darth Vader

Before the party was over, the men decided to take on a little challenge themselves

 They were all walking a little funny at church the next day :)

After the party, we had an absolutely wonderful afternoon and evening with Nana, Aunt Z, Uncle Willy and Mason.  Dinner at the Beach House was a perfect for the kids to play and the adults to enjoy a little downtime.  Then Nana treated us to dessert at Just Chillin' Too, the cutest little shop with the most phenomenal homemade ice cream.  Thanks Nana!!!

What a great day to turn 6!