Backyardigans Birthday Bash

So many came to Jillian's party to show her some birthday love. Two of my best friends in world made the long trip from West Plains and Springfield with their little girls to our party.

Jillian is 8 months older than these two. It seems like kind of a big difference now, but when they are 16 it won't even be noticeable. Tutu Jillian, Tara's Ella Claire, and Ericka's Virginia offering me a Mr. Potato head nose.

Ella Claire eating Buzz's face, Virginia and Jillian

The ball popper is popular with every kid I have ever met.

We were all in Drew's room playing because Baby Claire was "trying" to nap in Jilli's room. I love Ella Claire expression in this picture.

The boys took over Drew's room to play with all of his trucks and the work bench.

Owen beating Pablo with the balloon, Brant measuring something and Levi Clause building in the corner.

Brant and Levi. I am impressed with what Levi built.

Ladies man Luke visiting Delaney and McKenzie in the playhouse.

Enjoying the gourmet meal.

It was a little warmer than forecasted, but no rain - so I can't complain. I think it was probably okay in the shade.

Playing washers.

Tam and baby Claire watching the washers game. Baby Claire and Payton - look at that girls belly.

Baby Claire turned 4 months that day - why does time fly (except when I am at work).

So Sweet!

Emily leading Pablo and Uniqua around.

My Girls - Ericka and Tara

(and their girls playing with the kitchen)

Cute cake from PC
Jillian is giving that dirty look because Nana is holding her hands and she wants to touch her cake!
We called big brother Drew in for some extra wind.

Make a wish sis.

So cute of Drew, it looks like dad had to help too.

Our Joplin girl Madeline Wilson made it all the way up to our party - of course chauffeured by her parents Tim and Johnna. Mad was our live entertainment while she was swinging. This girl may be the next American Idol.

Time to eat CAKE!

Sister was served first and Drew patiently waited for his.

I had to post this picture because of Em's face, so cute and full of cake. Next to her is the birthday girl of the day - Miss Shannon. How I didn't know it was her birthday until that day is beyond me. Next year she will have a cake too.
Madeline, Virginia and Owen.

Jillian and Papa share a birthday. I am sure that it was not his dream to celebrate his 68th with the Backyardigans. Thanks for being a good sport dad.

I got my dad a cake with lemon filling. I told him to smell it and he actually fell for it. I could have got him good, but I just barely touched his face with the cake.

After cake and ice cream it was back to playing.

Kids enjoying the swing set, sand box and bubbles.

Time for presents.

I love Brant and Levi's expressions in this picture.

I LOVE this picture. My little man was awesome that day. He helped daddy get all the coolers ready, took a good nap, never threw a fit, didn't show any jealousy and was nothing but sweet. He wasn't forgotten - daddy and I got him a greatest big brother present and Uncle Brett and Nana also got him a little something.

I don't think Jillian really understood the whole birthday concept, but next year she will get for sure. She is going to be a pro at present opening when Christmas comes around this year.

Baby Claire was an angel baby. I don't think she really slept at all and I didn't hear her fuss a bit.

Jillian got a bible just like Drew's.

I love how the present opening moved from standing in her own chair to Payton's lap, to my lap and now she is just sitting on the table. Jillian made out like a bandit. We are still opening new toys.
Jilli got beanie babies of all of her Backyardigan friends, they have slept in her bed every night since.

After presents we brought out the beach ball sprinkler.

Mad cooling off.

We had quite the party - 16 kids under 10, 2 teenagers and 21 adults. Thank god for a beautiful day, I don't think that many people would fit in our little house. I am so thankful for everyone who came. I hope it was enjoyable and less hectic for them than it was for me. How am I going to keep the next one in December up to par. I will have to think hard.

I love how there are all these kids at our house and some how Drew and Jillian seem be by eachother's side.

We had a water balloon toss - Anne and Payton did the organizing. You can only imagine how it went with majority of participants under 5.

I think the kids had a good time with the water balloons.

I think Madeline was the only one to catch one without it busting.

My little monkey bean.

Nate and Jillian trying to go down the slide together.

Nate and Jillian going up the slide the wrong way.

Jillian found out why you don't go up the slide the wrong way. Andy's friend from high school who lives in KC, Jackie came over with her little ones, Bryce and Ella. So glad she came.

In this kids' treat bag were finger flash lights and whistles. The kids were running round the yard taking advantage of both. I can only imagine all of the kids crashed when they got home.

I love how much fun these kids were having. I think the whistles were driving the neighborhood doggies crazy.

Post party meltdown. Poor girl was exhausted. She had a great party. Thanks to all that came and everyone that helped us out that day. We could have never done it on our own.