March Galas & Birthday Parties

March was a pretty big "party" month for us. In addition to Grace's birthday, we attended 2 other birthdays (a classmate of Tommy's and Evelyn's) and 2 Galas (Aquinas & Excela).

On March 5th, I took the kids to a birthday party at a Karate place. Tommy thought it was cool and he almost won the jumping contest.

That night, we went with Tim and Diana to the Aquinas Gala. It was fun and we ended up "winning" a photography session with a local photographer.

Tom helped a little with the auction.

On March 17th, the kids and I went to Chuck E Cheese (Tom was in Philly) to celebrate Evelyn's birthday. The kids had fun running around playing games and Tommy helped Evelyn out by going into the ticket blaster.

On Saturday, March 19th we attended the Black tie Casino Gala for Excela Health. It was very nice and we all had fun playing craps (the dealer was awesome). I will admit - I missed the bingo!

Anthony & Sharon came down for the event

Grace's (Birth) Day

Since Grace's actual birthday was on a Sunday, we let her choose what we did the entire day.

Tom had to count at the church that morning, so we went up to the church hall around the time he finished and played bingo (the 3rd grade was having a food fundraiser). We didn't win anything, but the kids had fun playing. :)

We left around lunchtime and headed up to Ihop for brunch. Grace wanted to go there to get the nutella crepes (she pretty much just eats the nutella). 

After we finished up, our next stop was the toy store where she spent some of the gift cards she received from her birthday party. She ended up getting a Peppa Pig train, some Shopkins, Playdoh and a couple other things.

We went home so the kids could play with the toys and then headed back out that evening to the Latrobe 30 Theatre. We got there a little early so we could get good seats and order our food before the movie started. The kids both liked the movie.

I hope Grace enjoyed having a day that was all about her. I know we all LOVED spending time with her. :)

Grace's 5th Birthday Party

On Thursday, March 3rd, we had Grace's 5th Birthday Party at Seabase. I wasn't sure how the turnout would be having the party during the week - but 16 kids came to celebrate with her and the place wasn't a madhouse like it would have been during the weekend.

I took off work a couple hours early and ran a few last minute errands (picking up the balloons, getting the kids, etc.)  We had a little time at home to relax and take some family photos before the party.

Grace posing with her Shopkins cake before we left the house.

We had some of these cookies individually wrapped as part of the favor bag (and Grace took some to school on Friday to share with all her friends.

My babies

Family photo before the party

Missy did a great job on the cake!

All the kids having pizza in the party room.

At Seabase, everyone at the party gets the option of riding the train or playing laser tag. Grace and all the other girls chose the train (and they all wanted to ride in the same car as her).

The boys were too cool for the train - and opted for laser tag.

Grace with the girls (and Grant)

I love watching Grace interact with all her friends. I can tell they all get along and really enjoy playing together.I know she had the best time at her party and really appreciated everyone coming to celebrate with her.