Happy 7th Birthday Ronin!

Ronin's birthday was much anticipated by all of the family. The baby was due only 4 days before so to make things easier we decided to have the birthday party early. Well of course that didn't work out too well. the weekend we planned was the last of the summer which put everyone out of town or doing their own party with family. So after reviewing the calendar we realized the only time we could do it was the day before his actual birthday (which was only 3 days after I was due). Of course when you are heavy and pregnant you never think you will make it to your due date, much less beyond it, so we figured things would all work out.

I had planned the cake, food, treasure bags and games and put Patrick in charge of carrying it all off, hoping that I would be in the hospital and missing all the fun (or work, depending on your opinion). But the responsibility proved to be too much and the baby stayed put long enough for us to have an all out fun sports party!

We did three-legged races, dodgeball and water balloon toss. I still got out of having to do a lot of it since everyone felt so bad for me and my fat stomach. Patrick said it was the most exhausting thing he'd had to do in a long time. But the kids had fun. (or at least we think they did!)

Ronin got a slew of presents. Way too many in my opinion. It definitely makes me think kids don't need big parties every year. One or two in their lifetime is enough! His new obsession is Ninja Legos and their accompanying cards.
Malachi really enjoyed his time at the party, regardless of his expression in this photo. He decided to take a trip around the table and eat everyone else's cake. He was having so much fun and feeling really grown up.
This cake had inches worth of frosting! I get a headache just thinking about it.
We decided on a sports theme party. Ronin is so good at sports and loves all kinds. He didn't know why we only had a basketball on the cake. Why couldn't he have all the sports?
He had a blast with his friends. It was heartwarming to have everyone there. His friends and our friends who have made NY such a special place for us. We have really loved being here and will miss everyone so much.
All in all Ronin had a great birthday and little baby Levi came only two days later although it seemed like a lifetime of waiting. Happy birthday to our special Ronin. We love you!!