Fall Festival Birthday Party!

We continued to celebrate Fall and CR's birthday with a Fall Festival birthday party at Uncle J's and Aunt Melissa's that afternoon (after a short nap in the car on the way home from the orchard). Several months ago, Melissa volunteered to host and take care of his party, since she already had this neat idea and she was kind enough to realize that I may be in no shape to have a party and all that entails. Although I am doing great, I REALLY appreciate her hosting/taking care of the party this year. It was so nice to not have to worry with the planning, setup, or anything. I was able to just come to the party and enjoy it! Thanks Melissa/Jason and Mema and Granda for an AWESOME party! CR is not sure about this blow up slide before the party starts. Boy did he change his mind quickly (see more pics later).
Thanks Auntie Kim for dressing like a scarecrow clown. It was adorable!
Auntie Kim and M do face painting and balloons! How neat!
CR's party from afar!
Auntie Kim gets stuck doing balloons a lot instead of face painting because the kids were afraid of her. Sorry Auntie Kim...I loved it!

CR catches Nemo snacks while playing Go Fish!
These were treat buckets for everyone to put their prizes in from each game station.
CR and "baby L" play bean bag toss.
And ring the pumpkins
Happy 3rd Birthday CR! Thanks Auntie Kim for letting us borrow this!
"Baby L" gets a pumpkin tattoo.
O is focused on painting her pumpkin.
The guys enjoy the rough housing in the blow-up slide. CR's opinion of the slide is beginning to change.
The boys decided to jump from the top instead of taking the slide down.

Picking lucky ducks
Lay was the only brave sole to get her face painted by the clown.

CR decides he wants part of the "fish" action and helps P hook the line.
These girls are taking a time out break to color and eat snacks.

Having fun in the slide...I think this was his favorite part.
Aunt Melissa even had some Halloween drinks.
More face painting...thanks M for helping with CR's party!
Giving "go fish" a try
CR gets so excited after his free fall jump off the slide...I told you his view changed.
Then on to the hayride! Thanks Granda for getting all this together!
CR decided it would not be right for him to sit in the back...he thinks anytime Granda's tractor is moving, he is supposed to be driving it (and has since he was a baby). So today was no different...he left his guests in the back to help Uncle J drive. All tuckered out from the hayride. He could have stayed on the hayride all day!
The unbreakable pinata! Yes, we started out hitting it with a kid bat. Then after several rounds of everyone getting a try (even big P), we decided to try something a little harder. It still would not bust open. Finally after several rounds, Uncle J steps in to cut it with his knife...and has a hard time. He realizes that Melissa thought she was supposed to leave the stuffing in too when filling it with candy...oops!
Finally pinata treats! CR shares his pinata treats with mommy
All smiles!
CR mid jump from the top!
His expression when he lands! I am glad he finally enjoyed the slide!
Digging for treats after "winning" a game
Cute look!

Cake time! CR's own cake to enjoy by himself...thanks Mema! Cute idea below with the cupcakes Aunt Melissa!

Mamie freezes while she enjoys her sweet goodies!

CR decides to wait on cake and ice cream to open presents.

Reading his cards with mommy!

Granda's surprise...a pellet gun. This will have to stay at Granda's house. CR squealed with excitement!

He is thanking Mema and Granda for his presents. He was such a good boy and took the time to thank everyone individually for the gifts they brought.

Another surprise that was given to Dada last week at the race...a bag full of surprises from CR's favorite famous motor cross and now race car driver. A big thank you to "the goat" for being so kind to do something so special for CR's birthday! You made his day!

Wow...we will not need Santa to come visit...CR gets a drum set too! Thanks Mamie!

After opening all his gifts, CR goes to Aunt Melissa to give her a big thank you, hugs, and kisses for his party!

Now playtime starts...guess what he played with first?!
Cute P!
Nana gets her first face painting ever at CR's party...how neat!

Thank you to everyone that came to CR's party! It was so nice of you to share in this special day with him!Thank goodness baby Carragan isn't here yet...she wouldn't have had a place to sit on the way home.
Seriously...Santa could bypass our house!
As we were driving home in front of the hospital, we were able to see a natural site due to where we live...a helicopter flying to the hospital. However, it is rare that we are driving at the same time one is arriving and get to see it land/take off. This was yet another highlight of CR's day...he pleaded for us to go see it, so we did (of course from a far). He is enthralled with helicopters. He enjoyed watching the propellers and rotor blades, the pilot, and it landing and taking off.
What a way to end CR's fun filled day!