Luke's 4th Birthday - TMNT style

 Luke was beyond excited for his very first 'friend' party.  He's more than a little obsessed with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles these days and decided that should be his party theme.  I'll be honest, the idea of a TMNT party was a little daunting at first, but as I researched and brainstormed, I was pretty excited myself! 

 Luke plays with more girls than boys and I struggled with the idea of having girls at the TMNT party.  Not that I cared, but I didn't know if they'd be into it or not.  I surveyed a good friend, one whose daughter would be invited and she said she'd totally be into it.  

 Luke's birthday fell on a Sunday this year, which meant Saturday was the perfect day for the party.  We spent literally the entire day on Friday at Lagoon for Justin's summer work party (11 hours) and I knew it'd be a long night for us.  We did as much prep during the week as we could-- making the turtle shells, masks and etc.  But the decorating definitely had to wait. Justin had to help with our ward's canning assignment on Saturday morning up until 45 mins before the party.  That added  more stress for me, but we ended up staying up super late on Friday night and which left me in a pretty good place for Saturday.  

 The 'turtle' shells turned out so much better than I even imagined.  Luke loved being involved every step of the way.  For weeks we searched for the right size of pan and sure enough found it! Oh, the things we do for our kids! 

The kids all arrived right on time and were SO excited for the party.  

 Luke received a special present from Grammie and Grandpa T, a little early, giving him the perfect attire for his party! We let the kids play in the basement for a little bit. This age just loves to play with other people's toys! 

After a little while, we called them upstairs to transform them into ninja turtles.  

 Oh my goodness.  They were elated!! And wow, did they look good! 

 Sure enough, right after they were suited up, Shredder (aka Justin) was taking over the city (in the backyard) and the TMNTs had to save it!! They grabbed their sewer lids and were off to save the city! 

 I'm so glad we have footage of this because it was honestly the highlight of the party.  The kids were soooo into it! Beyond what I thought they'd be.  Shredder was fighting back and running away but he was dominated! Can't you just see how into it they were?! So beyond AWESOME!!!! We definitely had the best Shredder around.  

We even had quite the audience turn out. I guess it was all pretty dramatic and really quite the show!

Oh, I loved it! 

 After the TMNTs did their duty, it was time to practice some ninja moves on the trampoline.  

The birthday boy started it off..

 Love him..

 Beckett

 Aubrey

 Max

 Asha

 Victoria

 Miss Mylie

 Somehow I missed a picture of Jonathan but I know Justin got footage of it. 

After all that work, the ninjas needed some nourishment, so they headed to the basement while we prepped ice cream sundaes.  

 Best choice ever, thanks to Luke.  Kids never eat cake! Way too much work not to be eaten.

 After they devoured the ice cream it was time for presents and the pinata.  I love watching kids this age give presents.  They are always so excited to 'give'! So amazing.  Victoria brought the most heartfelt gift... she made Luke a bunk bed for his ninja turtles out of a bounce sheet box.  I couldn't get over how thoughtful it was! Such a darling little thing.  She also brought something else, but you could tell Luke really loved the beds. :)

It actually started to rain during presents so we decided to do the pinata inside.  We planned on crushing it, but decided it might be the safer route to pull the strings on it... how it was designed.  Luke was up first, and well... it broke! What are the odds?! 10 strings and he picks the one?! 

Luckily, the kids were eager to grab candy and didn't complain that they didn't get a turn.

With some extra time we headed to the basement and had a little dance party.  Oh... I love watching these littles dance! It's the best.  Again, we have some great footage of that too.  

Just a little shout out to this darling girl.  We knew we wouldn't be able to run the party and get pics/video, so I asked Jacquelynne, a darling girl in our neighbor (Victoria's older sister) if she'd come over and watch Ethan during the party.  Ethan definitely gave her a run for her money at the begininng-- he just woke up from his nap and wasn't too happy.  But Jacquelynne didn't let it stop her and she did a fantastic job! It would've been miserable without her and I'm so grateful she came over on such short notice! Love her.  You can tell what a great big sister she is. 

 Needless to say, the party was extremely successful and our little ninjas left with their outfits, as well as TMNT cups filled with candy and other TMNT loot.  I've received some pictures from their parents the last few days of them still enjoying their gear.  It makes my heart smile!!

 On Sunday morning, Luke enjoyed waking up to balloons all over his room and the traditional beads/streamers on his door.  We filled his tummy with special birthday pancakes, sausage and chocolate milk. 

 We missed having Justin join us... he had an EQ presidency meeting and PEC.  

We definitely made sure there were some left for him!

After showers and when Justin returned home, Luke enjoyed opening more presents from us and from extended family.  He was so spoiled! Lots of new TMNT toys and etc.  

 After church we did a little FaceTime with Papa and Grandma-- always wished the kids shared more.  It's just not the same as being in person. :( Hate that our family is so far away!!

I whipped up Luke's favorite dinner, spaghetti and french bread.  Unfortunately, our AC went out during the party and we were all burning up by Sunday.  Cooking over the stove was not so fun. But it was worth it, all for my little Luker.  Luke enjoyed opening the rest of his presents that night, as well as some cake.  I'll be honest, I think he wanted cake so he could blow out more candles. He only ate the frosting and ice cream on the side.  

Having Luke's party on Saturday sure relieved the pressure for Sunday.  Luke loved being sung to in Primary and I truly loved leading it and sneaking in a kiss afterwards! 

He was so excited to take his coupon to the Bishop for a special birthday treat.  

I love birthdays! Especially my kids' birthdays! 

Luke's been glowing for the last few days and can't believe he's finally 4.  

He wants to grow up so fast.. it's killing me!

I'm in love with my Luke.  

He adds so much spunk, laughter, craziness and pure joy to our family.  

He has a huge heart and gives and shares constantly.  

He adores Mylie and Ethan and loves it when we're all together.  

He's the perfect middle! 

Happy Birthday buddy! We love you more than you'll ever know!!