Circus Party!

After Summer Xtreme each year, we're always zapped - but there's one big day left that we need to plan for:  Madison's birthday party!  We pooled our resources and pulled together an amazing event - and we have to give God credit for the grace over this day:  a lot of people came, and we were able to do nearly everything we wanted to, including this idea above:  a circus-themed photo booth.  Mommy had all kinds of props pulled, and everyone posed for clown photos against a backdrop that we bought just yesterday.  Actually, it's more like a tablecloth, but it works!  Even all the adults got into the act:

This was more for Madison's friends, who all came to the church and enjoyed running around playing air hockey and pool, and tag too.  The food was plentiful and delicious - Mommy really outdid herself with a circus-themed presentation that was really creative.  Daddy found the circus peanuts and we also got some animal cracker boxes.  Mommy took ice cream cones and made them into hats, and of course the cupcakes were all AFRO CIRCUS!

There was plenty of fruit and snacks, and of course the official party food:  pizza.  The kids ran around chasing each other as the adults watched nearby, talking and catching up.  Soon, however, it was time to sing Happy Birthday and blow out the candle!

This was the highlight of the day right here:  everyone singing Happy Birthday to Madison.  She laughed and giggled all the way through as we all joined in and sang her our song.  She was so very happy at this moment - it couldn't get any better.  Afterwards, she blew out the candle after a few attempts - and soon it was time for presents!

As you can see, the fun just didn't stop today, did it?  She was having a blast opening presents!  Here she is, discovering that she is now the owner of a Disney Princess Slip and Slide.  Yep, you'll be seeing pictures of that one soon!

After all the presents were opened, it was time for everyone to head off in their different directions.  But we were so grateful that they could all come.  It was such short notice, and Mommy and Daddy were quite weary from Summer Xtreme.  Still, there was so much support and such joy at the church today.  Madison was blessed beyond our expectations - and because of that, we ourselves were so very highly blessed.