Happy 5th Birthday Elliott

 This year, we booked a costume party for Elliott just before Halloween. Elliott wore his homemade wolverine costume.

Rosemary was a puppy and Gretchen was a pumpkin.

Alina directed decoration of the basement. Our goal was FUN instead of SPOOKY. We hung sparkly ghosts and twirls from the ceiling, spread cobwebs across the shelving and put up a huge "Happy Halloween" sign across the wall.

We started the party with cupcake decorating in the front room.

The party-goers piled so much candy corn, sprinkles and frosting on their cupcakes that even their little-kid stomachs could not handle all the sugar. Ha ha.

Then, on to the basement for games like pin the face on the donkey and freeze dance to Halloween music.

Many invitees were our neighbors, including our newest neighbors who have twin babies and a two year old. Jay and Laura and "baby" Theo joined us... who is a big boy now and was the cutest vampire. Laura's expecting baby #2 sometime in January or February.

The kids looked adorable in all their costumes. Really should have snapped a group photo! Mental note for the next birthday party. With 3 kids, there's always another birthday party on the horizon.

Steve stayed up late the night before to make homemade orange popcorn balls. Mental note #2, do not stay up late the night before making the party favors.Ha!

Later in the evening, Elliott opened all of his gifts. He received lots of fun and thoughtful gifts. This rock hunting kit was one of his favorites.....

... as well as this Cheetah book, Cheetahs being his current favorite animal. Elliott and his friend Anne are constantly leaping around the yard on all fours, pretending to be cheetahs.

Steve helped Elliott read his cards and savor each gift. Rosemary did a great job watching -- it's not easy when you're 3 and all the gifts are not for you.

Hard to believe our sweet son is 5. Hugs to Elliott! Let's hope the next five years are just as wonderful.