Snapshots From Grayson's 5th Birthday Party

Grayson's Birthday Cake

I found this cake inspiration on YouTube - these are the ingredients for turning a devil's food cake into an Indiana Jones cake.  ☺

My little assistant, Greta observes my progress in the background.

Close-up of Indiana Jones running from the giant rolling stone - as seen in "Raiders of the Lost Ark."  I'd planned to do the lettering in blue frosting, to use up leftover from another cake I'd made recently, but it was too difficult to work with, so didn't get the color contrast I'd hoped for, but it turned out pretty well overall, I think.

Ta-Da!

He likes it!

And I'm happy it turned out, just in time for Grayson's birthday party in the park!

Gordy likes it too. He's also excited to eat the kiwi rock that's chasing Indy on the cake, his favorite fruit!

I love this little boy so much!

Grayson's Birthday Invitation

Had to get creative to accommodate Grayson's request for an Indiana Jones birthday party, since that theme isn't trending now.  This was so much fun!  Just took his photo in front of our fence, in costume - of course.  Then embellished the photo a little and added text to make a party invitation.  Such a fun project!  Might have to do this for all their parties...! 

Grayson Turns FIVE!

Indiana Jones action figure and horse, from Auntie Nenny & Uncle Tony

 Somehow, Grayson became aware of a popular adventure hero from the 80s and 90s - Indiana Jones.  I think it has something to do with Legos, how he discovered him.  Anyway, Indiana Jones is what Grayson enthusiastically requested for his 5th birthday theme.

Real guitar, from Grammy & Papa

 Grammy & Papa gave Gordon a guitar on his 5th birthday also, so now they can play together and maybe start a little band...?!  ☺

Grayson got a phone call the morning of his birthday from Papa!

 Grayson was so excited when Papa called!  Grammy also called, but we missed her several attempts to reach Grayson, as we were busy, getting things ready for Grayson's party.

Special birthday breakfast: scrambled eggs, toast, and orange sweet roll with cranberry-raspberry juice.

Animal Planet adventure toys, from Mommy & Daddy

 Grayson got this Oceanographer toy set from Mommy & Daddy, featuring two marine biologist action figures, this boat, a gray whale, sea turtle, and various biologist instruments and diving tools.  He was also happy to get a talking piggy bank for storing his savings from Mommy & Daddy.

Helping Mommy bake a cake for Grayson's 1st kid party

 Grayson poured several of the cake ingredients into the mixing bowl, but mostly enjoyed his favorite baking task - licking the beaters!

Indiana Jones party favors for Grayson's 1st "kid party"

 Mommy had to get creative when she discovered Indiana Jones party supplies are not currently trending (i.e. party plates, napkins, invitations, gift bags, favors, etc....)  Luckily, she was able to find some clever ideas on Pinterest and YouTube and had lots of paper bags, cardboard, and a glue gun on hand.  We started saving toilet paper tubes several weeks ahead of time in order to make binoculars, and stumbled upon cowboy hats at the Dollar Store that could easily be trimmed into looking like Indiana Jones's adventure derby hats, and the trimming made perfect whips.  Satchels made from cardboard, paper bag strips, velcro, and brown ribbon were each filled with a treasure map, plastic bugs and snakes, candy, & binoculars.  Twelve little boys got these as their party favors.  Adventure on a budget!

Enjoying & sharing new toys with big brother, Gordon

We are so proud of how appreciative Grayson is for all the nice gifts he received.  He truly is a grateful and lovable little boy!  It's an absolute pleasure to celebrate having him in our family!  We are so blessed!

Happy 5th Birthday, Grayson!

Oh, how we LOVE our little Grayson, who is growing so fast!  Currently, his favorite food is a hot dog, his favorite animal - a tiger, and when he grows up, he wants to be a Daddy.

 Grayson is about to graduate from Preschool, and is excited to start Kindergarten in the fall.  He is eager to learn, knows all his letters and sounds, likes math, and can read short words.  Like his big brother, he has a natural knack for drawing and painting great pictures.  He enjoys playing outside, looking for (and catching) bugs, making mud pies, climbing, making forts, playing in the sandbox, and hugging his baby sister.  

Here are a few photos from Grayson's past....

Grayson, 4 years old

Grayson, 3 years old

Grayson, 10 days old

Grayson's 1st Birthday

Grayson, 1 year old

Grayson, 2 years old

Grayson, 2 years old

I guess I need to practice the new formatting on this blog.  It seems I am unable to move the photos into descending order as I'd planned.  Well, you get the idea....  He's changing and growing very nicely.  ☺

Happy 5th Birthday, sweet Grayson!  We LOVE & ADORE you so very much!  ♥