Birthday Day: two-two train party!

It was so fun have Ben's birthday party on his actual birthday this year! My parents arrived the night before, and we were ready to roll bright and early on January 23!

"Two-two trains" was the theme of the day, so we asked all the party goers to bring their favorite ride-on toy to the UAB Campus Rec Center for a morning of choo-choo, vroom-vroom and beep-beep!

Ben had a blast - did a little cupcake snitching at the beginning, but also got lots of play time in with his buds. And the sharing concerns I'd had proved unwarranted - there was plenty of fun to go around!

Ben showing off his mad trike-riding skills.

Carter, low riding on the Harley.

Ben and Hope smiling "naturally" in Ben K's wagon.

Miss Madeline taking the cozy coupe for a spin.

Mills showing the little kids how it's done.

No surprise that the inflatable we borrowed was a hit!

Ben seems to have gotten past his fear of bouncy houses.

Eventually we corraled the kids long enough for pizza and cake.

The lone family pic of the day...can you tell Ben's got something else on his mind?

The train cake, courtesy of mom's cake mold and an evening of sugarloaded decorating!
(Dad did the cupcakes)

So, I'm proud of this cake. ;) It was cute and fun to do, and each kid got their own car to eat...

although guess who preferred a cupcake?

After more playtime to burn off that nutrious meal, all the kiddos went home for, what I hear, were excellent naps! Definitely true at our house. And what better way to wake up than with presents to open?!

In addition to his new basketball hoop and Harley tricycle, Ben scored lots of fun stuff, from a keyboard that plays "loveshack" to sticker books and hot wheels,
and a marshmallow gun :). Ben was so excited about each one!

We took a brisk walk at the Botanical Gardens,

and said goodbye to "Mah and Pampaw" - see you in a couple of weeks!

Then we wrapped up Birthday Day with dinner at Moe's and a bubble bath. All in all, a great day, and a wonderful time celebrating our two-two year old!

Here are some more pictures, and more pictures, and videos for our family who couldn't be there - especially the cousins, whom I know love a good party in the gym!