Camping Party

I had a fun time making these invites for Hunter's party. I especially love that Hunter wanted to talk about what his invites were going to be like. Debbie did a fabulous job on Hunter's Camping Birthday Cake He LOVED it!

Such a Happy Camper he was!

Hunter invited friends from school and a couple of boy cousins since he had already had his family/cousin party.

Back row: Justin, Mr. Grant, Aaron, Treven, Declen, Uncle Spencer, Jacob

Front row: Hunter, Kaden, Logan, Brinner, Kendall, Doyle

Kendall Moore being silly. When the boys first arrived they each got to make their own trail mix which we bagged up for them to snack on and then take home with them! They loved this idea!

Brinner saw me taking Kendall's picture and wanted one as well. Can't tell these two are brothers or anything!

Hunter really wanted Uncle Spencer and Cousin Scott to be there for his party. They were both kind enough to come.....thanks guys! Love you both! Hunter admires these two beyond words!

The boys played some games out in the backyard to begin with.

Uncle Chris is Hunter's "best uncle" as Hunter put it.

One day Hunter and I had this long conversation about how much he enjoys his Uncle Chris but he didn't want to hurt his other Uncles feelings because he loves them too. I told Hunter that he has been blessed with such amazing Uncles on both sides but that it is okay to call one "your best uncle." I told him that that title of "best Uncle" would probably change depending on who he was with.......when Chris is in town he holds that position but Hunter agreed that when Uncle Quincy takes him fishing then Uncle Quincy is his "best Uncle." And when Uncle Brian gives him rides on the big tractors at CKC then he is the "best uncle" and so on and so forth. He agreed.

It was sweet to listen to Hunter reasoning and how he didn't want any of his uncles to get their feelings hurt. I assured Hunter they knew exactly what he meant.

I just don't think we as extended family members know the impact we have on each other. I am learning and seeing more about this as my kids get older and express their love for their Aunts and Uncles. It makes me want to be the best Aunt I can and really show my nieces and nephews now much I love and care for them.

Hunter requested homemade green chili burros and bottled root beer for his party. It is actually fitting with our theme because when he go camping I always make a big batch of green chili and of course I get the bottle root beer cause Justin loves it. It's our camping tradition I guess! All his friends were in heaven and complemented me on the burritos. We also had nachos.........which is one of my favorite simple snacks. I am so weired I even like to get them at convenient stores every now and then.........crazy huh?

Declen is such a cute boy!

My Bestie Kari Stewart and her husband Jon also came to celebrate with us.

I love any chance I get to see Kari! Just love this girl!

After dinner it was on to the duck tape rockets.

The boys were thrilled to get to make their own duck tape rocket and find out that they actually were going to get to shoot them off outside.

Jon was so nice and was a huge help with the rockets.

We later found out that Jon LOVED the rockets and ever went out and bought some duck tape of his own......we plan to have them back for just adults rocket party!

Getting ready for BLAST OFF!

Everyone, including the adults were impressed with how far the rockets went!

It was crazy high!

Spencer's hot pink rocket went the farthest and actually got stuck on our neighbors, the Smith's, roof.

The boys all loved chasing after the rockets once they had been shot off!

They got some serious height!

Mr. Grant wasn't quite sure about the loud noise the rockets made. But for some reason he enjoyed being closer to the excitement!

The duck tape rockets were a HUGE success!

Cake Baby! The boys were so excited for the cake!

Scott was a big help during the party and Hunter was extremely happy that he came! I think Mr. Grant was happy as well!

After the rockets the boys played some more camping games in the backyard.

Justin and I were the "Camp Counselors" in our khakis and polo shirts.

I love this guy!

He is always so willing to go along with my crazy birthday party ideas. He says he loves seeing how excited I get over our kids parties. All I know is that some day my kids will want money instead of a party so I am going to enjoy it while I can!

The Pryor Family came as well to enjoy the party............on wait that looks like my Mr. Grant. They said they wanted to borrow him for a family picture.

We love the Pryor's!

We are so blessed to have become great friends with them! They are just the best!

Mac and her love for Carmel bugles show in this picture.

Not even kidding she pretty much ate whats left of the bugles in this bowl.

I love her to piece!

I called her the Bugle Bandit for weeks after this picture was taken!

Then it was time for a camp fire story. What camping party would be complete with out one.........and we had a special guest appearance by Pirate Peg legged Pete.

The boys were all blindfolded with camouflage bandannas.

Justin did an amazing job as Pirate Pete!!!

The wooden end of the shovel was his wooden peg leg.....which he kept banging against the patio as he told his story.

Hunter, Kendall and Kaden huddled together..........I think they were half playing and half seriously scared during the story. Jacob, second from the right I think was terrified...........I had to tell him there was nothing to be scared of several times.

They also got to feel Pirate Pete's hook, where he lost him hand in battle. Then feel his eyeball, a large green pickled olive, as Pirate Pete told how he lost his eye. A bird pooped in his eye and he used his hook hand instead of his good hand to scratch him eye...........so he scratched his own eye out. They boys though that was so funny! Hunter said as he was feeling "the eye"......"it's not an eye it's just an egg!"

I said, "well then smell your hands and tell me if it smells like an egg!"

All the boys did it and since pickled green olives have a strong smell they really got freaked out!

It was so funny!

Justin did such a great job with the character and his pirate accent............it was amazing! Mac and JP were dying laughing! Mac has requested Pirate Pete for her birthday!

After his friends had went home Hunter came up to Justin and asked him, "Dad, was that really you as Pirate Pete or not?"

Hunter wasn't quite sure...........that just made Justin's night! Hunter loved the camp fire story the best.

The whole party was great and so much fun! Several moms the following week told me that their boys can't stop talking about Hunter's party!