The Best Birthday Party Ever

Jax always has the Best Birthday Parties Ever.  This year was no exception.  We always celebrate his birthday the first weekend in November because the weather is warm and beautiful.  We always have an outside party at GrNanny and Granddaddy's house.  This year was no exception.  It's always a blast.  Jax is always thrilled.  This year was no exception.

This year we invited his whole class from school, so there was no shortage of kiddos.  Jax picked a cowboy theme which made decorating a lot easier since, you know, we've got TONS of that kind of stuff.

It was a little cool and rainy when we woke up the morning of the party, but God provided us with a beautiful dry warm afternoon for the party.  

We had a petting zoo with pony rides...sorry there are no pictures of that.  We had a giant inflatable bouncy slide, fantastic cakes, the barrels of fun, and a hay ride.  There were tons of kids and we had a blast!

One thing we included in the favor bags was stick on mustaches.  They were a hit!  So was this UTC football jersey that was a gift from Nonna.

But, the favorite present from the birthday party, hands down, was this...

his very own Lightning McQueen Bathrobe.  It's terribly soft and for about a week every time we came home, Jax wanted to strip down to his undies and put on his robe!  Ha!

Because Jax's party is early in the month, but his actual birthday isn't until the 24th, we end up celebrating all month long.  This year we got to go to St. Nicholas for Jax's Birthday prayer.  It's a sweet time.  Even Hoss was feelin' it...See?

Being prayed over by our headmaster.  That's Jax in the red, black and grey striped jacket.

After chapel, the kids all go to the music room and sing Happy Birthday to the birthday kids.

Then get to take their birthday hats home, so guess who wore Jax's?  

Because Jax gets so many presents from his friends at his party, Aunt Audi and Uncle Bubba usually wait to give him their gift until his actual birthday.  Mom and Dad usually give him something for both.  This year they were in a quandary about what to give him.  There were only two things he kept asking for a 4 wheeler and a boy puppy named Buddy.  Well he's not old enough for a 4 wheeler and his Daddy said no to his puppy.  So, what do you get the boy who has everything and wants things he can't have?

A GIRL puppy* ...Meet Sassy...

* edited to say they didn't buy her without our knowledge.  I found the dog and went with them...didn't want it to sound like they went into this kind of a commitment for us without our knowledge.

 She's a 9 week old Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen or a PBGV.  He wasn't sure about her at first, and asked me a few minutes ago when she had to go home.  

 I explained to him that this was her home and he said, "I get to keep her?".  I said yes and he grabbed his beloved new bathrobe and covered her up "so she will feel safe and cozy".

So it's been a great birthday month and we still have until Saturday to finish it off!  We know we're headed to Chuck E. Cheese, so there will definitely be more fun in store.  

Happy 5th Birthday our precious boy!