Spring Birthdays at the Game Farm

Randi had the brilliant idea to have one big birthday party for all the "Spring" birthdays in our group (otherwise known as teacher's kids). So, Heather talked with the Game Farm and organized the day for us at the lookout tower followed by the grand tour. We drew names so everyone got something, and by doing so, tried to avoid overconsumption. I made everyone a birthday shirt to wear for the day. Peyton was the only one that wasn't fond of it. Not bad, six out of seven. Izzi and I put them up on a line a few days before and she had fun going down the line saying all her friends names. From left to right above they are: Ainsley, Ashton, Sawyer (floor), Sydney, Win, Mason and Peyton. 

Ashton drew Win, and Win drew Ashton. When I asked Izzi what she thought Win would like she said, "Big trucks Mama." It's true, Win has always loved big machinery, but after asking Laura she said he had really been into his trains lately or anything with cartoons. So, e picked out the "fueling" model train and journeyed to the fabric store.  Izzi said Win would love the "Thomas the Train" print, so we got a couple designs and made him some jammie pants and a little tote bag. Ashton kept saying, "This is mine Mama. I want Thomas." To which I replied, "This is for Win darling. Maybe we'll have enough to make you a skirt." Later she came back to the pants and said, "This is for Win Mama, but I want a skirt." After explaining that the best gifts to give are the ones you want yourself she slowly released the fabric. By the time it got to the actual exchange, she committed to the idea that Thomas was Win's. I was delighted that Win actually liked the pants and put them on immediately. Ashton too loved her necklace, bracelet and princess cat card. 

Maybe Ashton isn't okay with Win's excitement about Thomas the Train after all.

Both Izzi and Sydney got necklace sets. Here they are showing each other their wares. Syd was exhausted after all the hard work, and so she   delicately patted her brow like a little lady.

Mason's gift was a big hit. All the kids wanted to drive the cars and play with his road/hill system. I couldn't believe Finley Rae Rapelje slept through all the chaos. Second baby syndrome?

Heather brought big animal ballons for all the kids. Ashton chose the smiling tiger to take home.

Finally it came time for the tour. Izzi had been talking about the peacocks for days, so it was fitting that this beautiful bird was the first I captured on film.

Here's "yogi bear" that made us all smile.

Ashton was a bit more comfortable feeding the animals this time around. When she went with grandma and grandpa Reichner she was scared, but this time knew exactly what to do. 

The elk and buffalo were laboring. The sounds were pretty incredible! This little baby couldn't have been more than a day old. Mama Elk was still licking it clean. 

After the Game Farm we all headed over to the Corcoran's house to play on Sydney's new back yard fortress. It was a big hit for all ages.

Traffic jam. The guys meagerly acknowledge it. 

Ainsley and Peyton loved the slides, big and small. 

Sawyer wanted in on the action too.

Quick birthday wishes, and then they were back outside on a sugar high. (They all got to blow out their own candle in their own section of the cake. Peyton and Ashton watched while everyone blowed at them, and then took their turn.)

The next three remind me of a splash mountain photo from Disneyland.

As you can see, we played until the wee hours of the night---well not really, but certainly past bedtime.