PARTY like it's 1999

I'm starting this tonight and will finish it off tomorrow with a final wrap up. So far it has been great. The kids all arrived around 4pm and donned their t-shirts. They promptly starting signing each other's shirts. They thought it was pretty cool. It has been raining all day and we weren't sure how everything was going to go but they decided about 5 minutes in that they wanted to jump on the trampoline. They all tore off their socks and headed out there in the rain. Two minutes later they were back in the house and Craig and I were looking at each other in horror. They quickly informed us that they were going to put on their swim trunks so their clothes didn't get all wet. Back out they trooped and within 30 seconds they were in the pool, shooting water guns at each other and jumping in the trampoline. They were having so much fun. An hour later they were soaked to the bone and freezing cold so in they trooped. A quick change and all the clothes in the dryer and they were playing video games, shooting hoops and laughing their heads off. I don't know how many times I heard, "this is the best party ever!" Something every parent wants to hear.

An hour later they were chowing down on chicken fingers, chicken wings, smiles, hot dogs in pastry and mini pizzas. We weren't sure how much food to make but ended up with only about 10 things left, so I guess I cooked the right amount. After they finished supper they were back downstairs having a blast. We called them back up for cake and presents and Kaedo loved every bit of it. He got some great gifts, money and a gift card and I think he is already plotting out what he might buy with his loot.

Once all that was done and everything had been cleaned up I sat down to read my book and listen to the chatter of seven 10 year olds. I had to laugh when I heard them comparing their "6 packs". They had all taken off their shirts and were seeing who was the "most buff". Kaedo I'm sure won the "Beanpole Award". I had to laugh.

So here I sit writing this while they play hide and seek through out the house. Two of the boys have just come in asking for their trunks so Craig is getting everything out of the dryer. My guess is they are on their way back into the pool. We'll see how long they last this time. Sure enough they all jumped into the pool and have been playing for the last 30 minutes.

more later...

It's 11:15pm, Craig is fast asleep on the couch, two of the boys have gone home and the other 5 are playing BUMP. They sound like they are having a great time and show no signs of slowing down (ugh). I'm going to give them another hour then get them settled watching a movie.

Craig is going mountain biking tomorrow morning and I'm going to make pancakes and waffles, if the kids want them.

more in the morning...

12:20am - Kaedo was the first to crash, A not too far behind him. Sterling, L and J are still watching a movie but the lights are off and everyone is quiet. I think it is safe to head to bed.

Sunday Morning...

Craig got up at 2am to turn off the TV and make sure all was well. The boys then got up at about 7:30am (agh). Pancakes and powdered donuts were for breakfast plus some jumping on the trampoline and still more laughs.

Kaedo pulled me aside this morning and said this was "the best party ever". I'm so happy. He has great friends and they have had a lot of fun. I don't what I need to do first - shovel out the mess in the house or have a nap.

Happy Father's Day to all all the dads in my life. Love you.