John celebrated his twelfth birthday Friday night with six other sixth graders from his lacrosse team! I thought three hours of black light trampoline jumping and dodge ball would tire them out …
… but not so much :-) We retreated to the house for pizza and our favorite ice cream cake. Then the crew played basketball, xbox and watched a movie until the wee hours of the morning. Honey was on night duty.
And then I was up with them bright and early. John wanted mini donuts and chocolate milk. This was only 1/3 of the donuts. HA!
It was a fun and festive night, although it is still hard to believe he’s almost 12!
I took him to the grocery store the day before to pick out snacks and such. Honey’s mom stayed home with Whit so it was just the two of us. We get to the store and I told him he had free reign to pick whatever he wanted. He was super excited and headed straight for the chip aisle. When he threw one measly bag of cheesy poofs in the buggy I told him we were going to need more. So he tentatively picks up a bag of sour cream and cheese. I laughed and said we need AT LEAST four bags. In went the dill pickle and salt and vinegar. I want to remember the grin that crossed his face for the rest of my life. After the chips I steered him towards the drinks. He thought for a minute and asked if we could get Fanta. I cheerfully said “of course! AND… you should probably pick at three more things”. He hugged me right then and there in the middle of the grocery store and said it was one of his best days ever. I don’t know why I feel compelled to share this… I think because I sometimes get so wrapped up in making things nice and special for them that I forget simple little things like letting him choose some 2 for $5 bags of Lays and a few 12-packs of Coke for his friends can go a long, long way.
I kind of love that his birthday falls during a week long school break every year. It lets me soak in the last few days of each of his years…. which are flying by way too fast for my liking.
DIXIE DELIGHTS DELIVERED
It always warms my heart to hear my kids say Best Day Ever!
The smile on his face in the picture with the cake says it all, Mama. What a fun way to celebrate (almost) turning TWELVE!!!
I know just what you mean about letting them choose Amanda. We forget how exciting, empowering and validating it can be for them and for us. When someone gives us a choice it says they trust us and value our ideas and desires. You are an awesome mum and I love reading your blog???
Isn’t it funny how adults tend to everything to be more of a project then necessary?
Look at the time they had with a biggie full of junk food.
What a sweet group of 6th grade friends
Amanda, it looks
Ike GREAT fun was had by all!!!
I love the plates and tray….do you have these in your Etsy shop?
Thanks!
Judy
What a fun time!! I always love your cute party ideas and admire your bravery!! My daughter (age 11) just had her basketball team over for pizza and smores. I got the usually two 2 liters of regular coke and an assortment of one liters. When I grabbed the Fanta my husband said, “Fanta?!” I told him it would be the first to go. Of course, it was!! Someday I will learn to grab two 2 liters of FANTA! lol!!
That grocery store story is just so sweet. It’s funny how things like that can make them so happy. Every now and then I will bring home Stewart’s Root Beer for my 13 year old as a treat. You would think he won the lottery! Kids…
Happy Birthday to John!
Shelley
I know!! Many days it IS the little things, right?!