Big day tomorrow

Tomorrow is Ryan’s birthday party. His sixth one. And the first one in three years that we won’t have the party at My Gym. I thought it would be fun to have a pool party, so that’s what we’re doing – Kung Fu Panda style. I picked up the balloons today (Hi-float is a great invention). And Rene set up the bounce house and inflatable water slide we bought from Costco years ago. They mostly work. Today, I ordered the pizza – Papa John’s: 5 Pepperoni, 4 Cheese. It will invariably be too much. Almost all of the groceries were bought yesterday at Costco. Tomorrow, I need to wash some clothes – so I have something to wear.  Get some bags of ice and other remaining groceries. Throw the drinks on the ice. Decorate. And stuff goodie bags.

That is all the usual party stuff, but I have this habit of over-complicating things. Ask my husband, or my friends (yes, you, Stephanie). Well, today, I did it again. I decided it would be a great idea to use my 7Gypsies Photo Stand (purchased for this project) to display photos of Ryan, printed in various sizes. Then, I decided that I should add little blurbs from Ryan’s loved ones (and his fantastic kindergarten teacher). Because two birthday parties in two weeks, in the height of the End of School madness, is not complicated enough.

Complicated or not, I still like my idea. I sent the 4×6 prints off to CVS this evening, and they’ll be ready for pickup tomorrow morning. Then, I just have to cut them up and hang them. I may throw in some coordinating patterned paper, if it doesn’t look full enough. Below are the 4×6 images – they’ll be cut at any line (between images and color blocks). I’ll post a project image with my birthday party photos. Now, I’m thinking that I should print out some journaling cards with the same prompt: “What I love about Ryan. I love…”

Looking at these pictures, I can’t help but to feel really lucky to have that little guy. He really lights up our house with a sweet, fun spirit and wacky personality. He loves jokes, even if they make absolutely no sense. He is sensitive – sometimes too sensitive! I can’t imagine not having him. Happy almost Birthday, Ryan!