There are certain things that you just KNOW will happen, and I think that's why I like traditions so much. My kids get familiar with them, they talk about them, they know they are coming, and the anticipation is just too cute. Christian has been talking about his birthday streamers for several weeks now. And if you've been reading my blog through my children's birthdays each year, you know that's a tradition around here.
Why, Canon, do you insist on being blurry? Christian did insist on running through his birthday streamers, which was a fun little twist. And he ran back and forth several times.
Another little tradition of mine is capturing the birthday child first thing in the morning, resulting in a "Freshly Four" photo. However, when your birthday falls on a Saturday and the fam is around, it doesn't look quite so roll-out-of-the-bed like it would look if it was just me here. Mimi had him dressed and John had his hair fixed right away, so while this is still in the morning, he looks much more put together. But, still, freshly four, playing with JonJon and Missy.
Another tradition? Yes, the birthday donuts! Why not incorporate a little of what the Mama loves into traditions, right? That's what I say. Christian is enjoying his birthday donut on his special birthday plate, with Mimi, JonJon, Missy, Mommy, Daddy and Ansley singing happy birthday to him. Avery may have been singing, too. You never know what all she's taking in in there.
You will probably notice that Christian always has a small stuffed animal that he is holding in one hand. That is his latest thing. I guess it's a four year old thing.
Then at 11:30 we had a little party with Christian's friends and their families, of course. JonJon always provides lots of entertainment. The kids were mesmerized by his juggling and magic tricks.
The boys were particularly drawn to the cake: David, Jackson, Jake, Alex and Christian. We are missing the other Jake in this photo - he had JUST stepped down when I snapped this picture.
Christian's Star Wars cake, which was his request.
Blowing out his candles.
We had a Darth Vader pinata (that Christian also picked out) but we really couldn't find a good place to do it during the party. So when only Jackson and Julia were left, John decided he could hang it from the playset, so they went outside to bust the pinata. It was too bad all the kids didn't get to do it, but Christian found a new use for part of it after it was busted.
After everyone left, Christian got to open his presents. I specifically requested that none of his friends bring gifts. We just celebrated Christmas, and he has so many toys, he really doesn't need a bunch more. He was perfectly fine opening his gift from us, one from Mimi, and one from JonJon and Missy. It worked out perfectly!
That afternoon we had a big craft fest at the table, and Christian's good friend Hamilton called to wish him a happy birthday (the son of our good friends Mark and Ashley). Here is Christian chatting about his birthday to him. It was cute!
That evening we enjoyed a birthday dinner at Mimi's, where they brought Christian chocolate mousse with a candle. This is such a sweet picture to me!
Just before the kids went to bed, we all enjoyed a good laugh as we all took turns pretending to be Darth Vader, using the pinata.
A fun day celebrating our sweet boy!
Too cute!! Love the phone on the table!! And I want to see Avery, oh excuse me the one whom is carrying Avery currently, with the Darth Vader hat and light saber. Where is that picture? Looks like y'all had a great fun party. Lot's to celebrate in 2011 for the Greiner fam!! So exciting!!
Posted by: Ashley Jansen | January 17, 2011 at 12:09 AM
P.S. Tell us about those party favors? Something in a blue plastic ball? If I know you, which I think I do, they were uber cute and creative!!
Posted by: Ashley Jansen | January 17, 2011 at 12:10 AM
These are so fun Megan & looks like such a fun boy party. Sorry we had to miss :( I'd love to show Jonathan the pics, but he would really be sad then - especially seeing the Star Wars cake - what a fun memory!
Posted by: Allison S | January 17, 2011 at 02:08 PM
Birthday streamers make me smile. :) We have them at our house too. I don't remember where I got the idea but it could easily have been from the Very Fun and Creative Greiner Traditions and Celebrations Idea Book that I like to refer to when considering new McGill traditions. I agree about the chocolate mousse shot. I definitely think that there are some girls at my house who would have been scared of the Darth pinata mask. It looks like Christian had a very happy day with family and friends. Happy 4th Birthday Christian from the McGills!
Posted by: Renee | January 17, 2011 at 11:15 PM