Brett's 4th Birthday Party!

When Kyle and I started talking about where to have Brett's birthday party this year, initially we were stumped. The Hands on Museum was such a success last year...how would anything we picked this year compare? We didn't want to pay an arm and a leg since he is only 4, but of course we wanted it to be fun and great experience for everyone invited. Then, one day back in October I came upon  a Groupon deal for the Teddy Bear Factory in Chelsea...and it was half off the regular price! I told Kyle about it, and we thought that would be a great idea! Kyle knows the manager there, so when we ran into her and told her we were going to purchase the groupon, she said, "don't even bother...I'll give you guys the deal whenever you decide to book the party!". Awesome! Brett was excited to get to make his own stuffed animal, but really, I don't think the actual place of the party even mattered to him. He just wanted to be with his friends, have cake, and open presents! As soon as his official birthday and Christmas were over, the questions started coming about his birthday party..."Is it my birthday party yet?", "How many more days", "Are all my friends going to be there?". It was just so cute to see his enthusiasm, and even though he was super excited for his birthday last year, it rose to a whole new level this year - more like an actual 'big kid' might act. I feel like this 'big kid' attitude came over night, and I am often taken aback by the things he says. Where did my baby go?! And if I'm feeling this way now, I can't even imagine what I will feel like next year when he turns five!

Early on (like months ago!), Brett told us he wanted his birthday cake to have a firetruck on it. Wish granted!

Party hats anyone?

Brett gave a welcoming hug to his good buddy, Carter. He was so happy to see him! 

While we waited for everyone to arrive, the kids ran around crazy!

Then it was time to line up and get the party started!

First, the kids got to pick out which animal they wanted to make...

Next, they each got to choose a picture that would be printed on their animal's t-shirt.

And then the stuffing began!

When the kids finished their animals, they did some coloring (and more running around!) while we all waited for the pizza to arrive. Sweet little Greta really liked the coloring part :-)

And so did Brett :-)

There was a little too much time in between making the animals and the pizza arriving, so while we waited (and waited some more), we let Brett open his presents. He was definitely a fan of that activity! 

The boys (and Greta) sat in awe looking at the new train sets Brett got!

After opening presents, the pizza finally arrived and everyone mowed! And then it was time for CAKE!!!!!!!

I think Brett may have been more excited about the fire truck than the actual cake!

Not the best family pic, but the only we got! Our little boy was just way too busy to pose for a picture!

Time to blow out the candles!

And then EAT! Before Brett took a bite though, he had to check out all the decorations that were on his cake!

 

The best part of child's birthday party? When they eat!! The kids are all contained for a few moments and the adults get to finish a sentence! Ha!

And here is Brett's bear that he made! I love the t-shirt with his name on it :-) 

Brett has been sleeping with his bear every night since the party :-) Definitely a keepsake we will have forever!

Although the party didn't compare to the Hands On Museum last year, overall I think everyone had a good time! There were definitely some blips during the party that I wasn't happy about - but as my friends reminded me, no one noticed but Kyle and I. Brett's favorite parts of the party were running around with his friends as they arrived, opening presents, and eating CAKE! :-) He loves his bear, but he wasn't as into making it as I thought he would be. He was a little overwhelmed at that point because of the craziness going on around us (and so was I!) so I think that added to his lack of interest. He liked picking out the truck print to go on the t-shirt though! Thank you to all who came to celebrate with us! We are so grateful to have such great people in our lives!