birthday party success

Hunter couldn't decide where he wanted to have his birthday party...first the skating rink, then at home, then at the Rec Center pool...we found an alternate location that we had never been to before, but sounded up his alley- a center with go-carts, bounce houses, mini golf, and other activities.  We arrived a little early to set up, and I went in first by myself.  I walked into an arcade of loud, screaming children running around from game to game; blinking lights and pandemonium sunk my stomach.  I didn't know there was an arcade when I booked the party.  This could either go really well or REALLY bad.

We found his party room and set up the Lightning Mcqueen theme (surprise there, right?).  He waited patiently for some of his friends to arrive, and then ran around the arcade with them.  One of his little best buddies from the district program arrived, with his other best buddy JP, and they were off.  Several of his classmates came in, and we even heard Hunter introduce one of them to his district friend. 

Introducing Ian to his friend

The kids were invited to get their faces painted, make balloon animals, and play until the pizza was ready.  We all piled into the party room and over 20 kids, plus parents, joined in on the fun.  Not one outburst from Hunter.  I actually started to wonder if Peter had given him earplugs or invisible headphones, b/c he was handling the situation so well.

It was time for cake...I asked Hunter if we could sing to him, and he replied, "Yes!"







So... for the first time in three years, we sang happy birthday.  Peter and I both had to hold back the tears as this sweet boy smiled and blew out his candle. 

 

devouring the cupcakes

His 2 year old party was the first time we saw an issue with the noise (7 months post-initial infection).  He cried throughout his entire song and I remember standing there, baffled, as he had smashed his cake and giggled in excitement at his first birthday party.  His 3 year old party was at an old church turned into a playground.  We didn't even attempt to sing that year.  Last year, when he turned four, we practically whispered the song and he was a crying mess. 

Lucky number five.  We did it.

After cake, the kids ran to the go-carts, games, token machines, mini-golf, bounce houses...it was a total success.  So many of our mommy friends commented on how well he did- it was an overwhelming environment for all! 

Hunter wanted to open his presents badly, so as we piled in the car, all sweaty and tired from a good time, he opened his presents, one by one, with more excitement each time he opened a bag. 

His party was a success because of the friends we have surrounded ourselves with.  Each family so giving, so caring, so accepting, and so loving...and many that have been with us since day one of this journey.

Thank you for making his fifth birthday one to remember.