Fourth Birthday Party

Today we had Jackson's 4th birthday party. He really enjoyed it, as did all of his friends. We went to a local play gym, Gym Tale, and they run a good party. It was 2 hours long, the first half hour was play time on the structure, then 30 minutes of structured play, and finally an hour in the party room with pizza and the cake. We invited 10 friends but only 8 were able to come. Two were his best friends at his old daycare and he was very happy to see them again. The rest were from the new school & daycare, some from his class and some from only daycare. There were only 2 girls, though 4 were invited. The party was a lot of fun, very well run, and I think well worth the cost.

The structured play involved first an obstacle course, with a trampoline, a climbing wall, slide, and some tunnels. Then there was a "battle" against the bad guy Dr Blue. Dr Blue was one of the employees dressed up in a special suit and the kids all threw balls at him until he was "killed".  I was a little surprised that the kids were so willing and quick to get into it.  Two were scared and cried, not surprised. Jackson was actually scared as well but did manage to get into it.

The kids fighting Dr Blue

After all the play time there was some colouring and then some pizza.  The kids all ate pretty well, some faster and better than others of course. Finally it was time for the cake. My sister made a dinosaur cake, it turned out really well and Jackson loved it. It is a layer of vanilla and a layer of chocolate inside. The dinosaur is made from rice crispie squares, but we didn't eat that part.

Dinosaur cake! Rawr!!

Happy Birthday Boy after the candles

Because eating and cake didn't take as long, they kids got an extra 10 minutes to go play on the structure before it was time for pictures on the couch. It was hard to get a good picture!  This is the best shot, with most of the kids looking ahead.  

Sachi, James, Jack, Aidan, Nolan, & Jackson
Elisa, Julianna & Owen

We didn't have time to open presents there so brought them all home to open. Jackson was of course thrilled with everything. Especially the Play Doh garbage truck. You know, the one he asked Santa for that I have upstairs in the closet.  Looks like we are doing an angel tree kid at work.

All in all, it was a great party and well worth the cost. I didn't have to do any cleaning up or preparing, just made loot bags, my sister made a cake, and voila! Instant party.  I did give Jackson the option of a "ninja" party, at a local martial arts place or the place he chose.  We'll see what next year brings!  They do offer encounters with a princess or super hero. But I thought the party was enough, no need for Spiderman this year at least!  Now I hope he's invited to some parties himself, most of the parents just dropped off their kids, which would be kind of nice.