Luke's Birthday Party

We had a big birthday party for Luke on Saturday, April 10. Many of our friends and neighbors came to help us celebrate. At Luke's request, we had a Buzz Lightyear party from the movie, Toy Story. Since Luke really likes Mexican food, I made a Mexican feast that included tacos, queso dip, chips and salsa, and taco soup. At the last minute, Luke asked me to "make" strawberries too. We were in the Commissary on Friday, the day before the party, and they had a huge display of strawberries out. Luke walked over to them and said, "Mommy, PLEASE can I have these at my birthday party?" What's a mom to say?? Of course, strawberries were added...hey, at least he picked a healthy addition!

All ready to go...and yes, all of the crock pots are mine. There's another one that isn't even in the picture.

Alex was really excited, as you can see.

Luke wasn't shy about digging into his food.

Little friend Gabi

Luke's friends were so sweet to bring him so many wonderful presents.

Our picnic table was a popular hangout.

Birthday parties are exhausting. Ryder just couldn't make it through the whole thing :)

The big cake! One of the ladies at our church is a baker, and as you can see, she makes fantastic cakes. All of this except for the actual toys, was edible.

The best family photo

Cake and chaos...Edward made homemade vanilla ice cream (our trademark...we make it for every birthday party), and paired with the Buzz cake, the kids (and adults) were all over the dessert. Amongst the chaos, we actually had a pretty good assembly line.

Luke is eating the "pillow" which was all icing.

Luke's pride and joy from the party...Buzz stuff. Here, he got Woody, one of the characters.

He had so much fun throwing the tissue paper out of the bags.

Another huge hit...the dinosaur that roars and chomps. The dino has been chopping at Alex mainly all week :)

Kate and Kurt being silly

Alex is just taking it all in, getting ready for his birthday.

Caiden is taking it all in too...he's Alex's buddy and is a month older than Alex.

Caroline and Madison know how to entertain little brothers.