The Party: K & O’s 8th Birthday (2 of 4)

This year it was a “Ball Birthday Party!” The invitations had gone out, the RSVP’s had come in, and long before the party even officially began, Kyle and Owen were officially 2 boys turning 8 on Cloud 9.

boys invite 2

The thing about Kyle and Owen is that they notice — and appreciate — everything. They get it. They really do. And that (in large part) is why it is so worth it. I go all-out for them. And they know it. For example, their favorite color is orange (yes, both of them have the same favorite color). A few days before the party I came home with freshly orange-painted toenails (I had gone to get my first pedicure of the season and chosen orange in preparation for my boys’ big day). I know, I know, I know, this is on the level of absolutely-crazy-mother-riduculous-stuff… but the thing is– I hadn’t been home more than five minutes before each of them noticed, and commented on my toenails: “Orange! Mommy! You got your toenails ORANGE!!!” “Yes! for the party!,” I said. And you would have thought I had just given them a million bucks. These boys are special. And I don’t mind telling them that — in even the most silly and untraditional ways. I find all sorts of little ways to do (not just say) “I love you.” And you know what? Those orange toenails… that manicure that lasted a full three weeks long all shiny and bright… every single time I looked down at my feet I thought of my boys and their big day. So, go ahead, and call me crazy. I am to the point where I really don’t care. We’re living this life the best we know how. And one thing is for sure: nobody can ever accuse us of not making the most of it. Live it up baby!

Misc - marbles Misc - gumballs

40 kids, along with their families, and a bunch of very-important-people-in-our-lives came to celebrate Kyle and Owen’s 8th birthday. We invited a big old mix of school friends, neighborhood friends, family friends, and — a major highlight for K & O — I invited 8 of my most very favorite students from Lehigh to come help out (8 students that K & O look up to and adore). It was over 100 people total, and it was a grand time. It was a classic, quintessential Kyle-and-Owen-Birthday-Party. And K & O were in their glory.

Kyle and Hakeem

O and Mackey O and Mackey 2

A ball theme, an 8 theme, and an orange theme were threaded throughout. But the big activity was a huge treasure-hunt type game involving 8 stations of various ball-related action-packed fun challenges. The deal was that upon the whole group completing each station each kid would get a rubber bracelet. When every kid at the party had 8 bracelets each, they’d get to partake in the treasure: Birthday Cake!

Station 1: Parachute with Beach Balls!

Station 1 2