Tristan's Dino-Mite Party!

Ok, so Tristan's party was a week and a half ago, but I'm finally getting a second to post about it. With all the preparation for Disney, I never got around to posting the pictures. In all honesty, I never spent much time posting about his actual birthday since he shared the big day with Jesus and His resurrection. :) How terrible is that?!

As you probably already know, my baby....my first baby turned four on Easter Sunday. By far, this was the most difficult birthday yet. My baby is now a little boy! He talks more grown up, he acts more grown up, he is more grown up. It breaks my heart. While I am enjoying each stage, it is still difficult to watch him grow up. Every day that passes reminds me that he will one day leave my home and seek his place in this world. I know I have time, but I also know that time passes in the blink of an eye. Anyway, let's talk party.

For months, Tristan informed me that he would like a dinosaur party. Since we already had a Disney trip planned, Channing and I knew we needed to keep the party small. In keeping it small, we decided to a park party. Although I was worried about the potential for bad weather (in March, you could be dealing with snow, tornadoes, or rain...you just never know), we forged ahead with the park party. I am so glad we did! We had fabulous weather!

With the party, I decided to save money by making my own super cute cupcakes. I found a great recipe on Southern Mama's blog and gave it a go. Here is a picture of what her cupcakes looked like:Here is a picture of mine:Ok, so I clearly need to work on my culinary skills. This was my first time making my own icing and ever using a frosting bag. All in all, I don't think the kids noticed. Clearly there is a difference, though. ;)

Channing's dad had a FANTASTIC banner made for the party. Tristan was SO proud of it. I was pretty proud of it too. It was really cool!With Easter having just passed, I was able to get all kinds of Easter dinosaur goodies to use as goody bags for the kids. Gotta love those after holiday sales! Here are what the goody bags looked like:
The boys:
The girls:On Southern Mama's blog, I also found a link to Tristan's cool birthday shirt. He was really proud of his "Tristanosaurus Rex" t-shirt. He had a great time showing it off to his friends.Then he had to act like a Tristanosaurus Rex. I love it! He is definitely my little dinosaur!
Tristan gave me his list of his best buddies that he wanted to invite to the party. The awesome thing was that most could make it. That made it extra special! There were a handful who couldn't be there, and we missed them, but there was still a great turnout.One big surprise of the day was the gift that JB and HC sent to the party with Mrs. Rachael. Check it out. Tristan was beside himself with excitement...as were the other kiddos. Look at his face...priceless!This is/was Fishy Boy. Tristan named him on the way home. He was SO excited to have his very own fish!!! Thanks, Morningsong!!! On a sad note (and a tangent), Fishy Boy passed away last Wednesday morning. I was SO sad. I tried really hard with him. I don't know what I did wrong, but I must figure it out. Tristan wants a replacement! I'm sure we'll be fish-shopping this week. It's going to be hard finding a Beta as beautiful as he was. He was the most beautiful shade of blue. I really feel terrible about his passing. I know he was just a fish, but he was a fish entrusted to our family, and I feel like I let him down. :( RIP, Fishy Boy!

Here are some more pics from the party.
Check out these precious boys: Sam and Eli. Are they beautiful or what?! Sam just turned four this past Saturday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAM!!! Here are Tristan and Josiah playing dinosaur. They had so much fun!
Tristan had a great birthday party. He was surrounded by great friends and super fabulous cupcakes (HA!). He officially got to celebrate his big birthday with many who are so special to him and to Channing and me. Many thanks to our wonderful friends for making Tristan's fourth birthday a time to remember. We love you all!

To Tristan, you are so so special. Each and every day, you find a way to make my heart melt. I don't know what I ever did without you in my life. You are a true blessing from God, and I am so thankful. Daddy and I are more proud of you than you'll ever know.