Amanda's Birthday

SURPRISE!!

We had a surprise party for Amanda's eight birthday. (It was a tradition that my mom had growing up and I always thought that was a neat tradition to have, so I've done it with my kids.) It was great! (I only wish I had sat somewhere else to do the video.)

She had four friends come and surprise her. She had planned some games for her party (she thought it would be the following week). They played "Give Amanda a Hairstyle" (instead of "Pin the Tail on the Donkey") and Twister Hopscotch.

Amanda had drawn a self portrait but didn't draw any hair. During the party, each of her friends drew a different hairstyle and then cut it out. They had a lot of fun playing the game.

Here is the winning hairstyle.

Before we had cake and ice cream, they all decided to dress-up in our dress-up clothes. I don't know if there was any particular theme they were going for, but they certainly had fun.

Every year, since she could talk, Amanda has always asked for the same thing on her cake: her family in front of the mountains or our house.

Since her birthday fell on a Sunday this year, when all of her friends had gone home, we went to Chuck E. Cheese as a family. It was probably one of the best times we have ever had there.

(doesn't she look so thrilled?)

Rainer only cared about going on the rides, and Amanda was happy to take him on a few. I think this was Rainer's favorite of the evening. It's a simulated roller coaster ride, complete with twists and turns and drops.

Sorry for the poor phone camera quality. We forgot our good camera on the kitchen counter.

We stayed out very late, 10pm, but surprisingly we didn't have any cranky kids or any meltdowns. What is even more amazing is that Rainer didn't even have a nap all day and was still pleasant and awake when we got home.

It was a wonderful day and we are so grateful that we get to celebrate her being a part of our family.