It’s forth of July again! Time for Bradyn and Tyler’s birthday party.  We chose a Circus theme for them this year, and we did a cute circus photoshoot at Playland for their birthday invitation.

Bradyn also found a cute patriotic cowboy hat at CVS on father’s day, and this prompted a second photoshoot in the park.

 

We got really creative with their cake this year. Because unfortunately both my cousin Becca and I felt their cake last year was a bit of a disappointment. This year the cake had an American flag surprise inside. We decorated the outside to fit the circus theme.

 

Becca and I both had a touching moment while decorating the cake the night before the party.  Where we expressed to each other, how special it is that we get to throw this party together ever year. Not everyone is as lucky as I am to be this close with their cousin(s). My birthday party as a child was always celebrated on the Fourth of July, so Becca and I have spent this holiday together for many years. And now we live so close and our boys are sharing the same memories. Sappiness aside, maybe it as all the love we put into it, but the cake came out amazing.

 

We decided to have a bunch of fun carnival/circus games set up for the kids like corn hole and ring toss activities.  We served circus food. Popcorn, hotdogs, and hot pretzels.

 

 

We also decided to try our hand at balloon animals. It was quite a funny scene when we realized it is much harder then it looks! I was starting to wish we had hired a professional clown. But then after watching a YouTube video, Amy was able to pull off some balloon swords. Somehow we also managed to create some bunny ears! The kids were thrilled.

We played “The Greatest Showman” on our outdoor movie screen. And the kids cooled off with some water balloons and water guns (not part of the circus theme, but it was a very hot day)   Mic even managed to capture this great portrait of Xander when he hid under the table while playing hide and seek.

We watched Tyler and Bradyn’s montage movies on the big screen. Followed by the spectacular firework show playing at the highschool down the street. We have the best seats right on our front yard.

The circus party was a hit and both boys loved their party! It’s going to be a tough one to top next year.

Bradyn’s 4 year video montage: