Ben's Birthday Ballers

Most people, upon hearing that Ben's birthday is the 4th of July, say "oh, so cool." In reality it actually is not so cool as it seems just about everybody on the planet has plans for the 4th of July, which often include travel, so Benny has discovered that if he wants to celebrate his big day with friends then he can't have a party on his actual birthday. So today was the day. We had a soccer theme and rented out 10th Street Sports Center (where the boys play indoor soccer). Karen (with the leg) had one of her vendors from work make up super cute jerseys for all the kids and despite the sweltering heat (93 degrees outside, roughly 310 degrees inside) a great time was had by all. Highlights included the awesome bounce house, the big kids (i.e. daddys) versus little kids, and the always delicious cake and cupcakes baked by our dear, sweet Angela Chaplin.

Both "the girlfriends" were in attendance: Abby and Jarin! Joe tried to steal them as his own and even allowed Uncle Craig to hang out with them.

Joe was really good the entire time...and Aunt Sissy saved the day when she ran out to get some milk for him from the gas station across the street!

my handsome brother and I

Brookie B in the house!!!

BFFs: Ben, Hayden, James, and Mason

Silly faces from Kaden, Kirin, Ben, Amber, Hayden, and Cameron

Sweet Kaden and the Birthday Boy

A few of my favorite kiddos: Kaden, Ben, James, Kirin, and Hayden

Opening presents was a hit...possibly because it took place in the one air conditioned area of the building. Ben 10. bookds, and silly bands seemed to be the theme of the day. A tired and sweaty but proud mommy and daddy Done! Hayden, Benny, Kali, Kaden, Mason, Kirin, and Toby

As always, I am a big fan of hosting "off site" birthday parties...no clean up before or after! We are all home now exhausted and Ben pronounced it "the best birthday party ever" so we'll mark it down as a success. Another birthday party survived! Appropriately we are all relaxing and watching the World Cup game now as USA takes on Ghana. They are no Ben's Birthday Ballers but we are still hoping the red, white, and blue can pull off a victory.