Maddox's 7th Family Birthday Party

Maddox turned 7 this year on the day before the first day of school, so it was a bit of a crazy day. We had school supply dropoff, haircuts, Grace and Maya came over, my mom, dad & gma came, Carter had an overnight the night before and it was all a bit crazy. We decided to celebrate his bday that night at Pizza Ranch. Sadly, not ALL of the family could make it - Kyle & Emily, Tony & Kelly, Bobbi & Joe, Guthrey & Maya and Jeff could not come so that was a little sad for Maddox. He is used to wiffle ball in the backyard, cousins, a party at our house, lots of loudness, food and fun....and this party was much more tame.  And, to top it off, he was nervous about the first day of school & he was definitely missing his Papa Joe & Gma Bobbi.  So, I think his heart was a little heavy that day; and thus, my heart was a little heavy, and a little tired and a little frustrated.

We started out the morning with cinnamon rolls and candles and Carter was still here from an overnight!

After a full day of errands, school, haircuts, going to the park, going for a run, and picking up Maddox's cake, we headed to Pizza Ranch.

  

Maddox got a lot of great gifts: a Tigers t-shirt, a Michigan necklace, a Nike backpack, more MagnaTiles, Battleship, a KD t-shirt, and more.  Joe and I got him a new bike so now both kids are set with bikes for awhile! 

I really enjoyed myself at the party because there was no cooking or cleaning involved; and my Gma picked up the tab for the cake and the party which was just so nice of her. And, dad filled up our car with gas, so well, the party cost us nothing- didn't even have to pay to drive there! So blessed!

And, these little girls kind of stole the show. So far, Lia is just the best baby ever. And, Saylor and Brynn played under the tables nearly the entire party. 

                                             

Happy 7th birthday to my middle child. You can't begin to imagine how loved you are.

Surprise, Maddox!

For Maddox's 7th birthday, we decided to throw him a little surprise party with 7 of his friends from Sacred Heart. We had asked Maddox about having friends over and he just couldn't decide on the friends, and he wanted his cousins, and he wanted his baseball friends, and well, he couldn't make a decision. So, after that conversation, we decided that we would choose his friends for him and surprise him! It took the pressure off of him and also allowed us to shower him with a little unexpected love. I thought his Sacred Heart group of friends would be best so that it would help him relax a little about the first day of school and remind him of the friends he has to look forward to!

Maddox was definitely surprised...and, maybe a little freaked out too! The kids all came at 6 p.m. and I put them in the garage and Joe had taken Maddox out for errands so then he pulled up to the garage, got Maddox out of the car, and the door went up and all the boys were screaming "Happy Birthday, Maddox!" He stood in shock for a good 5 minutes!

 We then rounded up the kids to play football. Miss Thing put flags on and got in line as if "Of course, why WOULDN'T I play football with my brothers?" It was quite funny- she went out for the passes and she really enjoyed blowing the whistle.

 There's nothing cuter than little boys who huddle.

 Then, we took a break for hot dogs, water melon, chips and rice krispie treats!

 And, we finished the night with multiple games of knockout!

The party was from 6-8 which doesn't seem like a long time, but I have to say that after two hours with 8 1st graders....we were tired. Joey was great with all the kids, too - instructing them on the rules of football, throwing light passes so the kids could catch them, etc. He was very excited to have Maddox's younger friends here. I also heard Maddox's friends say to him "We know you from school" or "I see you at recess" or "I remember you." Maddox is lucky to have an older brother at school looking out for him.

Maddox continues to be a little shy and reserved in big social settings but I think he really enjoyed the night. And, the next day he said "Mom, thanks for surprising me." So, I think that's a good sign. We will celebrate his family birthday party on his "real" birthday - tomorrow night....which happens to be the day before school starts! Eeek!