Farm P-A-R-T-Y

Mr. Talkative, Ford, turned 5 on May 1, and about lunchtime on that day he started asking if his friends were coming to his party that afternoon.  The answer was “No”.  It was a nice thought, but I hadn't even planned a party on May 1.  We had just moved from our house into the rental and quite frankly, I was trying to get out of having a party all together.  Classy mom, huh???  Well, all the asking about the friends and looking sad made me feel bad.  Then I remembered that he’s ONLY 5 and I have to give this baby a party.  So the following Sunday I made him an invitation with the assistance of my Dad and his poetic talents and got to planning.  

Parties stress me out.  I’m no Pinterest mom, but we've been invited the parties that have been somewhat ridiculous.  I decided to try to keep my head above water and we would have a few activities, eat, and go home.  Easy enough, huh? 

We decided to do it at the family farm, have a hay ride, horse and buggy ride, bean bag toss, and all around good playing.  The night before the party we headed out to get ready and to hunt lightning bugs after dark of course.  On Saturday Ford woke up and was ready to go!

 It’s about 12 miles from town to the farm on some good old country roads so I was a tiny bit concerned some people might get lost.  So I did what any good woman would do and I picked a location to begin the directions (there are multiple routes to take) and I drove it myself.  I did not put directions such as N, S, E, or W because who knows that, right?  I documented landmarks, stop signs, and put exact mileage.  The last bit of directions stated that balloons would be on the gate!  No one got lost!

 This is Mississippi.  It’s late May.  The air is humid.  I decided a family picture before we all melted was necessary!

 The food was simple: chocolate chip cookies, Doritos, watermelon, hot dogs, M&M’s and cake.

 Taylor isn't going to miss a party for her adopted nephews!!!

Parties are right up Bitty’s alley.  There is juice and junk food.  He saw my buckets of juices and waters and it was more than he could handle.  If awards were given out for the most juice consumed, I am sure he would have won.  Can you tell we don’t have stuff like this at our house????  He did manage to spill most of it on his outfit, but at least it was red on red.

Caroline, Ford and Elizabeth Anne on the hayride.

Bit enjoyed the ride too!

Hayes, Caroline, Ford, Nick, and Jack

 Gran and Molly Cate had on similar colors which I thought was picture worthy.

Horse and buggy

Meg and Gaines

 Jennifer, my crossfit partner, and Rials.  Rials got to celebrate his first birthday party after Ford's was over.

Hay ride again

 The hot dog cooks

 Hoola hoop fun

We must have an honest moment.  I did get on Pinterest a bit to look at ideas and was quickly let down with my lack of crafty skills and time.  I did, however, see this piece of ply wood cut into a barn to be used as a bean bag toss and made sure we had one of those.  Too bad I didn't have any bean bags.  I got some of Ford’s old socks, bought beans at my favorite store, The Dollar Tree, and sewed them up tight.  Worked like a charm! 

Bitty had cookies and Ford had hot dogs.

 I have had the same lady make my cakes for every birthday party.  My parents always pick them up and bring them to the parties for me.  I was scared to death I would drop it, so Penny did the honors.

 While he was being serenaded, he wouldn't look up.  I believe he was a bit embarrassed.

 But he sure blew that candle out!!

 And not only do I not carry cakes, but I also don’t cut them either!!!!

 This boy of mine doesn't have a sweet tooth the size of Texas like his momma, it’s more like the state of Rhode Island, but he did manage to eat a few bites before gifting it to Bitty.

 Uncle Ken giving Bitty a lift!

 All the fun activities, sugar, and heat can wear a little fella out.

 The invite said, "No gifts please", but he still got a few.  No gifts is the way to go!!!

Jake and the Never Land Pirates ship from Uncle Vance and Miss Emily

And as we went inside to clean up I noticed that "The Chinaman" ventured to the party.  Ken, my brother, and I have been passing this little figurine back and forth for about 15 years now.  Who knows where he'll end up next????

 Happy Birthday to the cutest 5 year old I know!!!!!!!