Our Royall Family: Ian's Birthday Party

We were invited to go to a birthday party for Michael's boss' (Jessica) son. Ian was turning 4 and they were having a party with friends and family at their house. We knew that another big boss of Michael's would be there, along with her kids (similar in ages to our kids). That would be pretty much all we would know, but we hoped to meet more people who might have kids similar in age to ours and we can begin to do things with them, maybe even become friends!

Ian's birthday party was themed Star Wars. We knew there was going to be a bounce house and a slip n slide, but we didn't realize how much fun Emma would have. While we were there, Emma immediately was drawn to a toy room with a Lego table and toys stored below it. Emma and her new found friend, Isabel, played there for a long time. Jessica was holding Mason when Emma went back into that room; Emma came running over to me and said 'someone is holding Mason'. I reassured her that it was okay that Jessica was holding Mason. Emma's response was 'Aunt Jessica'. I'm sure it is confusing at that age, especially when she has an Aunt Jessica. Then it was time to move into the other room, where some kids began to play a dance game on the Wii. It was really funny watching Jessica dance to some of the songs being played. It sure is different to see people outside of your professional place and enjoying time with friends and family.

After grabbing a little bit to eat, we headed outside where Emma wanted to explore the bounce house. She went inside and was a little hesitant as there was water; and between the bouncing and slippery surface, she quickly decided that she didn't like it much. There were two older girls in there who were offering to help her up the ladder to go down the slide, but I knew she would have a heart attack if she went down it. So instead, Emma went to play at something else she truly loves...the swings! After swinging for a little bit, Emma decided she wanted to explore the rest of the play set. We quickly were realizing how dirty her swimming suit was getting since all the dirt was sticking to her wet body so we told her that she needed to do something else. Michael had seen his big boss playing with her daughter on the slide (putting her up from outside and sliding down) so he thought let's try it with Emma. And she loved it! The bigger kids were flying down the slide so fast that they were almost falling out of it and some were even getting a little hurt by it. At that time, we knew it was time to remove Emma or else she would be next.

So then we found the soccer ball. I'm so glad Emma has shown an interest in soccer, and she's really good at it already! She loves to kick the ball all over the yard. But soccer didn't last long as it was cake time. Little miss Emma had three slices of cake! Yes, she does love her sweets! While we were inside we decided to change clothes again and just play inside for a little bit. Jessica boss whispered something to Emma and then they were off. Emma was not shy what so ever to just go with Jessica, and even made herself comfortable enough to go exploring through their house without anyone! And for like 20 minutes they were gone before we thought we should go check on what they were doing. Come to find out she showed Emma the kid's rooms upstairs with even more toys! When Michael asked Emma if she was ready to go home, she just said no and she was playing still. But it was time to head home as the party was scheduled to end and we had more plans for the evening. Both kiddos crashed shortly after getting in the car.

It must have been a good birthday party!

Playing in the bounce house: