Birthday Celebration Part II: The Party!

This might have been the most fun I've ever had planning a party ... I was able to focus on all of the things that I "do," and not worry about those aspects that just aren't my "things" (i.e. cooking, serving food, etc.). I loved the theme, and especially loved the colors - just such fun and so perfect for a summer pool party.

Luke repeatedly requested a dolphin-themed party. Well, Google dolphin parties and you'll find that there isn't much. Plus, I knew that if we did goldfish I could incorporate the orange ... so that's what we did, with a few dolphin touches :). To set the tone for the day Luke woke to a dolphin waiting outside his bedroom door.


Perhaps my favorite part of the day was watching Luke on our video monitor in the morning when he first woke up, before he ever even opened his bedroom door. He had been so excited leading up to his birthday and knew that I had bought a special shirt for his birthday party. It was placed at the very bottom of his t-shirt drawer and I figured he forgot about it. Well, that morning we heard him awake and watched on the monitor as he jumped out of bed, took off his pjs, and dug the shirt out of his drawer ... so very excited to get his 4th birthday underway :). I snapped a few photos of the birthday guy in his shirt before I headed out to get everything ready for the party.

Luke's party was held at one of his favorite places: The San Jose Country Club pool.

Luke invited his best pals - Jack and Christopher, as well as several friends from school, and our new neighborhood friends. It was a perfect day for our boy filled with friends, swimming, treats, lunch, cupcakes, and sunshine. All of his most favorite things.

Luke also made sure to display his newest "trick": jumping off of the diving board without any floatation device and then swimming over to Paw. He is very proud and is now working towards making a cannon ball :)

Schools of fish cupcakes were made by my mom and decorated by the ladies (Mommy, Day, and Great Grammy) with the assistance of Luke. Many were very obviously decorated by a 4 year old, but I figure that was part of their charm. They turned out adorable!

Luke joined in when everyone sang happy birthday ... such a precious boy! He absolutely loved his yummy cupcake.

Mia has perfected her request for a cupcake. She now stands beneath wherever they are placed on a counter or tabletop above her and shouts "birthday!"

Speaking of our bathing beauty, she also fully enjoyed big brother's party (and the cupcakes!).

Colorful buckets served two purposes: centerpieces for the tables as well as party favors.

What a perfect party for our favorite four year old! Happy Birthday, Luke. We love you!