Just about Party Time!

This is the face of a kid who LOVES playgrounds.

I had some errands to run today, so we stopped by a local playground to let JJ run off some energy.

It's in a not so great area, but it was the middle of the day and empty so we stopped.

Actually, "our" entire side of Charleston is a pretty awful area.

We live outside the city limits (which doesn't really mean much. Kevin always thought he lived in the country until he visited Illinois. Now he knows what "outside the city limits" can really be.) ....but the nearest part of the city to us is the bad part. Ugh. 

I remember the first time visiting Kevin.
He picked me up at the airport and we're on our way to his house.

We're driving around and the whole time I'm thinking...
"Oh no...which one of these driveways is he going to pull in to? Am I going to have to insist on a hotel? Where is this man taking me? What have I done?!?!?!"
Yea...but at least we're a tad bit removed from it. Sorta.

I digress...

It's nearly party time!
These are the invites I made for JJ's birthday party...

These are the candles I found!

Noticing a theme yet?

So - Toy Story 3 came out a couple years ago.

So there are 3's on everything from the most recent film.

Guess how old JJ is?
See how that worked out?!?

Those are all movie posters.

Shrunk down to 5x7

I got myself a hole-punch and will be making them into a banner of sorts - to hang around at my parents. 3's everywhere! But ask JJ how old he is...he still says 2.

Anyway...

This kid notices everything now.

Everything!
So I wanted this birthday to be amazing.

I want the party to be a really magical atmosphere for him.

It's going to be outside.
An infinite amount of space to decorate.

So I start thinking...what's the best way to make an outside, weenie roast, in the dark a cool place? Decorated? What on earth can I do?
Well, Christmas lights, for one.

My goal is to have them on everything.

And these....

Glowing necklaces, bracelets, glasses, wands, swords, foam things...
We've also ordered light-up rings and finger lights...

Which are basically boy-ish rings...think flashlights for your fingers.

I hope a hamper full will do.

I want kids running all over the place, glowing their little faces off.

Won't that be fun?

I mean, I hope it will be.

Christmas lights, a fire, and a ton of kids running around glowing in the dark.

Hope you love it, JJ!