Sunday, December 11, 2016

Redmond is SIX!!!

We had a big birthday at the Hayes Homestead recently.  Redmond turned SIX!!!

Six years old.  Wow.  That happened fast.


The day before his birthday, we threw him a big Batman themed birthday bash!


Redmond had a great time!  I mean, how could a six year old not have fun with friends, bounce houses, and cupcakes!?


His actual birthday was on a Monday, so it was off to school for him in the morning.  We made chocolate sugar cookies the day before for him to take in for his birthday.


Since he had his big party the day before, we kept his actual birthday pretty low key.  He wanted to go out for dinner to his favorite Mexican restaurant, so we all met Jason's parents there for dinner.  He had his usual - quesadilla and rice - and then we headed home for (leftover :) cupcakes and presents.


He got some (more!) great Batman gear!


He had a great birthday and we are so lucky he's got so many fantastic people in his life!

It's been so fun watching Redmond grow so much this year!  He's witty, smart, a negotiator, super sensitive (like his mama...), kind, shy, caring, and an amazing big brother.  He is a worrier (also like his mama....) and always needs to feel safe and secure.  He could build legos or draw/color pictures all day long.  His Grandpa is his absolute best buddy, with daddy coming in a close second ;)  He is beginning to read and his writing is getting so good!  When he's not building legos or coloring, we spend a lot of time playing board games - Monopoly Junior and Stratego are his current faves.

Redmond, we are so so proud of you!  You're such an amazing kid and are so thankful you made us parents.  We love you so much!

Happy SIXTH birthday, buddy!!

Friday, December 9, 2016

All Things Batman Party!!

Redmond is obsessed with every and anything Batman.  So, when we asked what kind of birthday he wanted, it was no surprise that he enthusiastically yelled "A Batman party!!"


I had a lot of fun planning this party.  This is the first birthday party we've given the kids in 3 years (because, let's face it, they're a lot of work!) so I wanted to do it up! 

First, I ordered these super cute invites off of Etsy for him to give to all of his friends:


We decided to rent a large hall and bring in a couple of bounce houses (best. idea. ever.) so all I really had to do was worry about the food.  No games or any other entertainment was necessary.  Because, bounce houses.
#bouncehousesforthewin


I had so much fun coming up with Batman themed food ideas.  Some were thanks to Pinterest, but some I came up with all on my own.  I made cute labels in Word and even downloaded a free Batman-esque font to use.


I also printed up this quick, cute sign to use at the party.  It's now part of Redmond's bedroom décor:


For the food and drinks, I wanted everything to tie in a Batman character.  A lot of hours I'll never get back were used racking my brain for witty names.  Witty names for a party full of kindergarteners who can't read.
#buttheparentscan

Ok, on to the menu. 


First up, Poison Ivy Pasta Salad.  I'm probably most proud of this one.  Why, you might ask?  Well, I decided to buy Halloween pasta and pick out all of the black bats from it to mix into the pasta salad.  And by me, I mean my two little helpers.



And yes, the black bats turned purple after cooking, but it was still cute!  I used all green, orange, and red veggies with tri-color rotini to keep the color scheme of Poison Ivy.

Cat Woman Claws (Bugles) served in a food/water dish:


The biggest hit of the party were the Two Face Pretzels.  I mean, who doesn't love a chocolate covered pretzel!?


Villain Veggies and Dynamic Duo Dip:


Robin's Roll Ups - half with ham & cheese, half with turkey & cheese:


Batgirl's Grub:


Penguin Potato Chips (served in a top hat!) & Riddler's Mystery Dip:


Batman's Bites:


Gotham City Mints:


Joker's Juice (lemonade) and Mr. Freeze's Ice Water


And, of course, Batcave Cupcakes!


The birthday boy had a fantastic party!  I mean, just look at his face!!

 

Batman party was definitely a success.  Redmond has made some great, adorable little friends in kindergarten and it was so fun to watch them all interact together.  But, as fun as it was, I'm glad it was only for two hours.
#toomanykidsiscalledamigraine

~ Sara :)

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Halloween 2016

Halloween was tons of fun this year!  Festivities began on the Friday before - both kids had their Halloween parties at school so it was a busy day.  Thankfully wherever I went I had protection.  No bad guys were messing with Batman or Batgirl!


     

Once I had both kids dropped off, I hung around at Redmond's school for their Halloween parade.  About 500 kids ages 5-7 dressed up in costumes?  So. Much. Cuteness! 


After Redmond's parade, I headed back to Ashlyn's school for her trick or treating.  She scored lots of candy and did so well saying "trick or treat" and "thank you" in her cute little pixie voice.


Later that afternoon, it was time for me to get into my costume for a little Halloween get together that Marie and her hubby hosted.  The kids picked out my costume.....any guesses??? 

The kids wanted me to be Poison Ivy so they could 'capture' me :)


Then, it was time to par-tay!!!  Seriously, how cute are all these kiddos?  An added bonus?  All the kids were terrified of me and my red hair.  Muahahahahaha!!!!  (Seriously, one of the little boys wouldn't even take a cookie from me!)

Over the weekend we got the kids pumpkins all carved.  Redmond drew the face he wanted and give Jason the job to make it happen.  (The green booger/snot was a last minute addition).


I was put in charge of Ashlyn's.  She drew it on the pumpkin and I did my best to get it carved.  These pumpkins are from our garden and were super thick and tricky to carve!


Halloween morning, the kids were decked out in their Halloween shirts and we took Redmond to school.  I felt bad for all the teachers that day.  I'm sure it was complete and total chaos!

    

The excitement after school - oh, the excitement!  When I picked up Redmond from school his teacher was telling all of the parents "good luck" as we walked out of the classroom :)  Those kids were wired.  We got home and I made the kids a quick dinner.  Look at this super cute pasta I found at Aldi - black and orange pasta in the shapes of witches, pumpkins, and bats.  Perfect meal for pre-trick or treating!


We have an awesome neighbor across the street who sets up a hay ride for neighborhood kids each year.  So, Jason and the kids hopped on that and went trick or treating while the pumpkins and I stayed home and handed out candy.


The weather really cooperated this year, unlike the previous years (snow, rain, sideways rain, etc...) so I was able to sit out on our porch to hand out candy. 



After trick or treating, candy counting, piling, organizing, and consuming commenced. 


The kids had such a great time!  It's so much fun to experience these holidays through their eyes :)


Happy (Belated) Halloween!!!

~ Sara :)