Graduation (Instagram)

Elijah's Ninjago Party Album

Lego Ninjago Party Details

This party was so, so fun.

Elijah loved all of the details, and I loved making them!

He is at a fun age where he appreciates the details and he even helped "dream up" ideas with food.
It was a joy to host our new friends in our new home; I am so thankful

 that we had a house full of friends just two months after moving here.

I remember wondering who in the world will we invite to Elijah's party; it's so soon after we arrive?!

God has been so gracious to us.

The Lego Ninjago theme was tricky because it's not very popular (yet); it's quite new.

So there isn't anything out there to decorate with; I had to either make it myself or order it off of 

Etsy where others simply made it.

Here's a picture of the Ninjagos:

And yeah...

I will say that it is much easier hosting a party in a bigger house!

Hi-Ya Punch

Hummus and pita chips, mini 7-layer dips, PB&J "sushi" and Asian "Cole" Slaw

(One of the Ninjago guys is named Cole.)

Ranch with veggies, a cucumber snake/dragon, fortune cookies dipped in chocolate, "Jay-lo" (Jello), Samurai Strawberries, Rice Krispy "sushi," Ninja cookies, marshmallows dipped in chocolate

(Another one of the Ninjago guys is named Jay.)

The Ninja cookies were such a hit with the boys.

It was the first party where the cookies were more of a hit than the cupcakes.

There were a ton of cupcakes left, and not a single cookie.  

I saw some of the boys eat 2 or 3!

This cake was the last thing I made; I always like cupcakes better, but I wanted to try this idea.

It turned out great....except I ran out of fondant!

Hilarious.

When they came in, they could make a headscarf out of some dark t-shirts I had in a basket by the door.

And when they left, they took a Chinese take-out carton that had a

 Lego Ninjago bottle cap zipper pull in it.

I think everyone had theirs on their jacket by the time they were out the door; they were a hit!

Lego Ninjago Party Fun

We headed to the park on our street for some Martial Arts action.

A super sweet guy from our church, James, came to teach the boys some moves.

He has a second level black belt in Tai Kwon Do; whatever that means?!

He did a great job of showing the boys some kicks and jumps and moves - he even brought nunchucks!

(Are those cherry blossoms I seeeeee!?)

              (We attracted some onlookers at the park - they sat on benches and watched and laughed!)

Brian tried to take him out when he wasn't looking.

He played Sensei Says with the boys; like Simon Says.

Hudson won!

We headed back to the house to get sugar-fied.

I told the boys they could go for it and eat anything they wanted to.

They all went for the dipped marshmallows first - that is always SUCH a hit with kids.

It is so crazy; it's just a marshmallow dipped in candy melts.

Who needs cake pops when you can do something THAT easy?

Then the next thing they all went for were the cookies and the jello.

The jello was a winner - I need to remember that.

Sensei James and Brian (Intern with Nick)

Kristin (Brian's wife) and Rachel

Lindsey (Ginger is back there too!), Heather (Clark's mom)

However, Emmaline was not a fan of the Jello.

Singing to the birthday boy.

Watch out, Tim!  (Intern with Nick)
And Tim, what a great friend he is...
He dressed in all black with a head scarf, went to the wrong house all dressed up.
A man answers the door and Tim asks, "Is this the Ninja party?"'
The guy said, "Don't know what you're talking about but I wish it was."
HAAAAA.

Opening presents!

 (The lighting was terrible.)

Utter Chaos.

Fighting with the big boys, Tim and Justin.

Happy Birthday, Elijah!  

What a fun week we have had celebrating your life!

We are so thankful for you and praise God for giving you to us 6 years ago!

Elijah's Birthday at CHLG

I took cupcakes to Elijah's class today and joined them at the end of their lunch.

They get to sit girls/boys at lunch; I bet they love that!

Mrs. Amy had Elijah stand in a chair and she interviewed him...favorite movie, favorite food, what he wants to be when he grows up, etc.  And then let the kids ask him questions.  Too cute.

Then she played a funky Happy Birthday song on her iPod and they all got up and danced around the room.  I took a video of the whole song and it is not on my phone; I have NO idea why not?   So sad!

They sang to him again...

Happy Birthday, Elijah!   

The festivities are continuing all week, as always...