Party Like You're a Jedi

Yesterday, I highlighted the food for Dylan's Star Wars party. But of course the true star of the party was Dylan! He really had a great time because he was surrounded by tons of friends and family and, therefore, fun! In all, including our family, there were 40 people in attendance. 

With the food all set out on the table and the guests flocking in, everyone kind of floated around and did their own thing for a while. Folks sat around and ate, kids played in the play room and outside and there was much ruckus and merriment.

Pipaw, Cade, Chloe, Clara and Dan

Jack, Jenn and Kari watch Hayden play

Mike set up the pool for those that wanted to take a dip.
Justin, Luke, Dylan, Ryan and Corwin

Adults Watching From the Deck
Mimaw, Erik, Jessie, Bumpa, Kristina and Nana

Inside - Jenny Showing Off Baby Ryan

I had planned for a couple of activities for the kiddos but just couldn't figure out the logistics to do an outdoor asteroid hunt in the yard so just had the make your own light saber craft project. With a simple toilet paper tube (thanks to family for chipping in with those) decorated with marker, a balloon and some tape, the kids were ready to duel! Pipaw did a great job of manning the craft table and helping all the kids out. It ended up being a GREAT success! The kids (of all ages) had lots of fun running around the house chasing each other and beating each other with them and no injuries were reported. A few balloons popped but those were easily replaced!

Mason and Luke

Dylan With His Light Saber

Time to Battle!
Luke and Dylan

Mason and Dylan

Luke, Mason and Dylan

Before Dylan got into dueling, he asked me several times about opening presents. I wasn't really sure what etiquette was on this (polite to have gift opening time or rude?) but I figured, he's the birthday boy so we should do what he wanted! He was having so much fun with his light saber, it took some convincing to get him to the table for cake. You've got to eat cake before opening presents, right? I thought so. I wasn't sure how the whole cake\singing scene was going to go since Dylan generally gets a little shy\embarrassed about being the center of attention. When the singing started, he did slump very quickly and very low into his seat so I jumped in to give him some support (physically and mentally) and he did pretty well with the attention then.

Dylan and His Awesome C3PO Cake

Happy Birthday To Dylan!

Though our practice sessions on blowing out the candles had gone pretty well, the ones we had for this cake were apparently a little trickier to blow out. After a couple of attempts by Dylan, Mike and I very discreetly helped him over each shoulder.

Make a Wish!
Going....

Going....

Gone!

I had the honor of slicing C3PO to bits. When my Mom was planning the cake (early stages) she had mentioned she might just do a bust. I had to nix that idea since C3PO's belt section, where you can see all the wires, is Dylan's favorite part. Sure enough, that's the part of the cake that the birthday boy wanted to eat so he had to wait until we cut to the middle to eat his cake. Oh and of course, we had a choice of either dark side or light side ice cream (that's chocolate or vanilla for you earthlings).

Then it was present time. While our house seemed very roomy for the big crowd up to this point, trying to fit everyone in the dining room for this even was a bit snug. I know watching other people opening presents isn't the most exciting thing, but we tried to be quick and efficient about it all. Dylan had a great assistant for this task. His cousin Emily was happy to help.

Emily Reading Dylan a Card

A New Game!

Cade and Bumpa

Star Wars Stuff!

Bead Art Hat that Emily Made Dylan

The new toy excitement was too much to leave behind. For the rest of the night, Dylan stayed in the dining room and played. Friends and family dropped in to play with him and keep him company. By that point the party was breaking up anyway so I didn't feel it was rude for Dylan to be somewhat anti social. Plus, he was close to the front door and did a great job thanking folks for coming as they left the festivities.

Justin Playing with Dylan and His New Toys

Even though I probably went overboard, I was so thrilled how the event turned out. The food, craft project and leisurely atmosphere were the perfect balance for an awesome 3 year old birthday party. Dylan had such a fabulous time and seeing his happy face was all the thanks I needed to know all the effort was absolutely worth it. I just love that guy!