A Frontyard Splash Bash!

 This is Sam's REAL birthday party... a week later.  I figured that I've never thrown a birthday party with friends before and the summertime is perfect for outdoor parties, so I figured why not? Let's do it!  It was a lot of work but I had fun and I am SO GRATEFUL my family came into town to help out and celebrate with us.

In my planning frenzy (my family made fun of me to no end at all my color-coded diagrams and lists in my notebook) I wanted to have different stations that each of the kids would do a game and then get a prize for doing it.  In the end, I decided to simplify things and just let the kids have at it and get goodie bags instead.  Much better.  So we had the GIANT BUBBLE in the garage where the kids could see what it was like to be inside a bubble; a pool with water guns; water balloons (which lasted 5 minutes... don't even get me started on water balloons...); a slip-n-slide; a dig-for-shells sandbox; and a snack bar filled with kid friendly goodies (fruit roll-ups were "slip-n-slides", marshmallows "arm floaties," Sun Chips were "beach towels," goldfish crackers were "fishies" of course, Fruit Loops were "pool rings," and so forth...)  The kids had a blast and I was actually able to sit and enjoy myself for most of it!

And of course, ahem, this is about SAM so here's some things about Sam and his 3rd year of life:

• Sam has the funniest little walk.  He has these scrawny limbs that carry himself like he is THE man in charge.  He bends his arms at the elbows and marches himself around the house, store, or neighborhood as if everybody should bow down at any moment at his greatness.
• Sam idolizes his older brother Aiden.  Whatever Aiden does, Sam will do willingly and with no fear.  If Aiden decides to swim underwater, so will Sam.  If Aiden picks up a new catchphrase, you better believe Sam's taking note of it.
• Sam is mischievous.  He likes to hide things from you and pretend like he has no idea what you're talking about, and he always finds the opportunity to pounce on any unsuspecting person.
• Sam loves the color pink and anything Hello Kitty.  He balances this interest out with anything Superman or robot related, though.  As tough as this kid likes you to believe he is, he has a soft side to him as well.
• No matter what time Sam goes to bed, he WILL wake up at 6am.
• Sam has the most adorably sad puppy dog face.  He big blue eyes brim with tears and his bottom lip sticks out and quivers.  Quivers I tell you!
• Sam has a great belly laugh that he is never short on sharing.  He throws his head back and lets it all loose.  Hearing him laugh automatically makes me laugh.
• Sam loves to eat green vegetables.  He'll gladly eat spinach, broccoli, peas, green beans, lettuce, cucumbers, and zucchini any time of the day.  

And now back to the party.

Aiden trying out the hula hoop bubble

Sam couldn't leave behind his birthday pancakes long enough to try out the bubble for himself.

 

 

My wonderful parents picking up the remains of 300+ water balloons

 

 

Sam and his buddy Maddox munching on their snacks.

Cousin Austin finding some cover from the multiple water fights going on

Cousin Miles trying out the bubbles for himself

 

Ya think he's having fun yet??

Absolutely YES!!

haha these goggles completely crack me up

 

And now time for the cupcakes!  Happy Birthday, Sam!!

 

Oh, so good!

Sam, cousin Austin, and neighbor friend Josiah

Opening presents!

Aiden slip-sliding it up!
 

Cousin Jackson still isn't sure what to think of his older cousins. :)
 

My awesome sister Monica and Dad
 

More hula hoop bubbles
 

Whee!!