On Saturday May 26th (a week after Branson’s real birthday) we were able to have our first friends birthday party ever! Branson decided on a Army theme (since the store we bought stuff at didn’t have Iron Man) and we had all the guests come in camouflage. Originally the party was planned to be outdoors and was going to consist of lots of water games but unfortunately the weather decided not to cooperate and it ended up being cold wet and dreary. So we had to make a few quick changes to our plans.
The invite list for the party consisted of Jacey Muir, Wade Hoover, Brady and Landon Cox, Tanner Norman, Eden Reed, Sienna Harvey, Quinten Snow, Sam and Will Jurgens, and of course Harrison and Dawson. Our friends Missy and Joey also came and hung out during the party since their 2 older boys were invited and since we were having a friends get together afterwards. We were sure glad they could join us!
We started out by giving all the kids their own dog tags with their names and Army ranking. Then they each got their face painted with army war paint and had to stand in line for instructions.
Here are some of our first guests to arrive! Left to Right: Tanner Norman, Landon Cox, Branson, Jacey Muir, and Brady Cox. Each of the kids also got an Army mask to wear.
Then we sent the kids through Army boot camp where they were given a series of tests they had to pass. The first was the “Follow the Sargent” game where the kids were tested on their listening and carry through skills. They had to do all sorts of silly things like strike an army pose (see below), do 20 jumping jacks, turn in circles, do a dance, etc.
“Give me 10 push ups” says the Sargent! I love how Harry and Jacey are super squished in between the bigger kids!
After that the kids each had to grab a balloon where they were tested on their problem solving and strength skills. They had to figure out how to pop the balloon only using their body. No pointy objects or other things allowed.
Then they got another balloon and were testing on their eye/hand coordination. They had to keep hitting the balloon up in the air for as long as they could. If it hit the ground they had to go sit in the bunker (aka the couch).
Next we moved the party upstairs where the kids did all sorts of games from a bean bag toss (where the littler kids actually won!), a rocket shoot (seen below), toss the grenade etc.
Rocket Launch – to see whose rocket went the farthest
Then we played the feet sponge game (which normally would be done outside and with water). But we just worked it so that the kids had to pass it back and forth dry. It worked out pretty well.
Then they played the over/under sponge game where they had to keep doing it faster and faster each time.
The favorite game of the day though seemed to be the “Hot Grenade” game though (like hot potato). The kids passed a fake grenade around in a circle and when the music stopped that person blew up. But we didn’t make them get out of the circle. They actually just got to be the one that started the game again. So everyone had a good time and got to keep playing.
Adam and I were a little surprised how quickly we flew through the games so we let the kids loose outside for a bit to get their energy out. They played on the playground for a few minutes and then I made up a little obstacle course where they had to weave in and out of the swings, climb the rock wall, go down the slide and then run through the house. Some of the kids liked this so much they went through the course 2 or 3 times!
Then Branson took his troops on a march around the house while I went inside to get everything ready for the cake.
Here I am in my Dad’s Navy Uniform. Not quite Army but it was the closest I could get!
Adam was our First Aid Medic!
The kids came in after their march so we could sing Happy Birthday to Branson and have cake and Ice cream.
I’m not sure why this picture is blurry – but I like it anyway. These are some of our very favorite friends ever! We heart the Jurgens!
Eating cake and ice cream outside! What a bunch of cuties!
Love Brady’s face in this one and all the “fake smiles!” ha ha.
And to end the party we had Branson open up all his presents from his friends! He got some great stuff like bubbles, candy bars, Star Wars wand and figurines, an Iron man hand thingy magigger, Disney cars movie car, and Lego sets. Branson was in HEAVEN!!!
Sissy joined us right around this time too (can you believe she could nap through that party?)
Then we sent the kids with these little gift bags to thank them from coming. Most included some water balloons, Army Truck, light stick, Army blow thingy, Army guys, punch ball, Army parachute, fruit snacks, and a lollipop.
Sure was a fun way to celebrate Branson’s Birthday! We love our 7 year old and are so glad he is in our family! Thanks everyone for coming!
