Benj's 30th Surprise Party

 So, I knew I wanted to do something special for Benj for his 30th birthday. Plus since Logan has been  born, Benj's birthday has been a bit overshadowed. I planned for a couple months, letting friends and family know and trying to keep any party prep out of sight. It was so hard to keep a secret and act casual when talking about birthday plans.

I gave Benj a massage for his birthday so I had about a 90 minute window to get everything set up. Thank goodness for family who helped set up or it would've never gotten done. I felt a little frantic as I tried to get things done. 

Our friends and family were waiting in our backyard when Benj came home. Here he is coming through the door to a yard full of people yelling "Happy Birthday!!!"

 A big thank you to Christy, Benj's relative, who took most of these pictures! 

Here are the some of the guests:

A fun poster and memory book for guests to write their well wishes to Benj.

 We had an ice cream bar with lots of yummy toppings.

 We set up a bouncy house for the kids. It was a big hit! These photos were taken before some of the other kids got here. I think Logan stayed in this the whole party.

So as soon as I came out with the cake, the wind blew out the candles. I knew they wouldn't stay lit, so we sang and Benj pretended to blow them out! Haha.

Sweet moment. Love that man.

I had plans for a little photo booth but ran out of time. The kids had fun with the props. 

Norah become quite attached to Christy. Super cute.

Some of the Bradshaw family.

It was so much fun! Thank you to all who attended! 

Benj's Birthday

 Benj's birthday was today! The big 3-0!

It was fun to celebrate 2 days in a row. Benj got some new clothes, cash, and a massage (it was hard to not book myself one).

Birthday breakfast - french toast!

After breakfast, I asked him if he'd mow the lawn. What a guy. :)

We went to visit Benj's family later that day. Benj's brother Brett came up from Arizona.

The visit would not be complete without a little wrestling match. Ha!

My parents came into town and watched the littles while Benj and I enjoyed a lovely evening at Station Park. We went shopping and ate at Twigs.

After Station Park we hit up Cold Stone for ice cream. It was a great day!

 Love you Benji!

Logan's Birthday

 Today we celebrated this guy's birthday! He woke up to balloons in his room.

Norah quickly claimed the pink one. 

  I wish I looked this cute in the morning (Logan's "smile" will be appearing throughout the post - complete with crossed eyes and gritted teeth).

 More balloons and presents for the birthday boy! He told me his favorite color is green so we went with that theme.

So excited!

 Logan got some awesome presents this year: a remote control ATV, Avengers shirt, Baseball glove and t-ball set, Lego Batman movie and a new basketball.

Birthday waffles with sprinkles (phone pic).

 Since we do friend parties every other year, we let Logan choose what he wanted to do (with a few guided suggestions). He chose the Dinosaur Park! I happened to have these masks from his party last year and the kids got really excited wearing them.

 The best part of this park is walking around outside and seeing all of the dinosaurs. Logan's favorite is the T-rex.

Wearing his new Avenger shirt. Logan wanted to make sure he saw every dinosaur. He'd ask us its name, and would tell us if it ate meat or plants.

After a picnic lunch in the shade, the kids played on the fun playground they have at the park.

Favorite part of the playground - the pteranodon slide!

Dinner of choice that night - McDonald's (another phone pic). Afterward we had cupcakes! It's safe to say this kiddo had a pretty awesome day!

Logan is 5!

 Logan is now a 5-year-old!

Looking back at these photos made me want to cry. I can't believe my firstborn is now 5!  Here's a glimpse of Logan growing up:

2 weeks old

 1 Year Old

2 Years Old

3 Years Old

4 Years Old

 and now . . .

I did a birthday interview just like last year. Here are a few things about Logan:

 What is your favorite color? GREEN

What is your favorite toy? CAPTAIN AMERICA MONSTER TRUCK

What is your favorite thing to do? WATCH TV

What is your favorite TV show? BATMAN LEGO MOVIE

 What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? WAFFLES

What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? CHICKEN NUGGETS

What is your favorite treat? JELLY BEANS

What is your favorite drink? APPLE JUICE

 

 What is your favorite thing to wear? MY SUPERHERO SHIRT

What is your favorite game? CURIOUS GEORGE GAME

What is your favorite animal? A LION

What is your favorite song? BOOK OF MORMON STORIES

What is your favorite book? BATMAN BOOK

 

 Who is your best friend? COLTON (cousin)

What is your favorite thing to do outside? JUMP ON THE TRAMPOLINE

What is your favorite holiday? WINTER AND CHRISTMAS

What do you want to be when you grow up? CAPTAIN AMERICA

 

 What was the best part of your birthday? OPENING PRESENTS

What was your favorite birthday present? MY BIG MONSTER TRUCK

 

 Logan is now much more independent and my good little helper. He is always willing to help set the table or clean around the house. He gets dressed without me asking and will often try to brush his hair by himself, saying afterward, "I did it, Mom! I look so handsome!"

He is enjoying school and starting to try to put letter sounds together. He counts to 30 and is really good at writing his full name. I love watching him learn and figure things out. He is a really smart boy.

 When he finds something he likes, it'll be his passion for a while. He loves Legos and is really good at putting them together. He is also really into his cars and superheros (as you could tell from his interview). He also loves playing hide-and-seek and playing with friends at the playground.

Although he's growing up, he still holds my hand and gives me big kisses. He is a big sweetheart and loves to snuggle with me (I hope that never ever changes!).

Logan, 

I'm so excited to see what the coming year has in store for you. Happy birthday big boy! I love you more than words!