Ryder's Birthday Party . 3 Years Old

Saturday was Ryder's party.  It's hard having a summer birthday - so many friends are out of town, or have multiple commitments for the same weekend.  Regardless, we had a great train themed party.

This year, as you could expect, the theme was trains.  Patrick and I chose to do a "no presents" party, as our boys already have a lot of things, and we really just wanted a good excuse to invite over family and friends to celebrate with us...so, it was more of a train-themed BBQ with cupcakes!

To celebrate, I was able to find a seller on Etsy who was willing to customize t-shirts for the boys.  Ryder's included his name and age - Harvick and Jarrett just had a train with a "3".  Now...you try to get these boys to sit/stand/lay/anything still for a picture so that you can see their shirt.  Pretty much impossible!

Silly boys.  No one wanted to cooperate - they all thought they were so funny when I laid them on the floor!
(Ryder, Harvick, and Jarrett)

Despite the hot weather, we held the party outside, and just took advantage of the shade.  It was very laid back.  No games.  No real agenda.  Just food and fun!  Even with the best of intentions to take more pictures, it's hard to remember...

Ryder's birthday dessert was cupcakes and cookies.  To display them, we created a train using various snacks, with the cupcakes and cookies as the load for each car.  It was a hit!

At the end of the party, we had Ryder open his gift from his grandparents (including grand) and Aunt Julie - an iPad.  Yes, our 3-year-old has an iPad before anyone else in the family!  Ryder uses an iPad in Speech Therapy, and responds well to it.  While it isn't necessary for us to have this at home, it would be so great!  We have so (SO SO SO) many papers/homework/flyers that Ryder receives regularly - it will be great to put everything in one place!  The iPad was loaded with a few fun apps, so that it wasn't just a blank screen - he enjoyed playing on it immediately!

Opening his iPad.

All in all, it was a fun party.  Ryder loved it!  I know I wrote it on the post about Ryder's actual birthday, but it really is hard to believe he is 3.  He's more than 1/2 way to kindergarten - just 2 more years.

At the end of a long day!
(not too bad with a camera without a flash!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYDER!