In preparation for the party, I had a lot of fun planning all things "fire-fighter," including making and hand piping fire-fighter themed sugar cookies to hand out as favors, fun little goodie bags, fire-fighter hats for each of the children to wear on their visit to the fire station, and a fire-themed children's book for each party goer to take home to remember the special day.
Vicki with Vintage Bakery outdid herself yet again, with this beautiful, enormous birthday cake. The picture doesn't do it justice - it was a 12" round cake that was about 5 inches tall of pure chocolate-ey goodness.
Simply Savory organized all of the party details, including cute fire-fighter paper products (napkins and plates,) balloons, and had the deli tables all arranged in a big long row for the kids to sit at to enjoy their treats. Upon arrival, each child received their fire-fighter hat and were allowed to choose their favorite flavor of ice-cream from the Hershey's buckets in the ice-cream case.
Even Jack got in on the action - and giggled profusely when he got to wear his little fire-fighter hat.
I made two flower arrangements in little firetruck containers (one was given to us by Jack's godparents in the hospital when he was born - the other was gifted to a friend when her son was born.)
And then we walked down the street - and met the captain and firefighters of Ladder #9, Shandon Fire Station.....
And we got to "drive" the fire trucks......
And look at the ladder truck - that they pulled out especially for James - and sent two fire-fighters high in the air...
It was a glorious warm day, with clear blue skies - a welcome break from our rainy and cold week.
And we posed for a picture in front of the ladder truck - which was more like herding 19 little cats than anything else....
And on our way out we got to see the real fire-fighter gear, including their big coats and hats and boots...
Then we walked back down the street to Simply Savory, to the promise of ice-cream, cake, and treats.
Then it was time for the big moment....
Cake!!!
After cake, ice cream, fruit, cheese, and crackers (and store-made pimento cheese and pita chips for the grown-ups), James helped me hand out his sugar cookies, goodie bags, and books to all of his friends. I think he giggled and grinned non-stop for three hours.
Following the party Grandma and Grandpa Long treated us and Uncle Harry and Aunt Mary to dinner at Yesterdays, a local favorite restaurant. Jack had a great time at the 'head' of the table...
Three generations of Long boys...
Our family dinner...
And just for more picture viewing pleasure ... please see Speedy James ... the uber-proud recipient of a new bicycle, compliments of Nonna and Papa, that he LOVES to race around on. We let James open his gifts from his friends and family on Sunday - since it was so crazy at the party on Saturday and he needed some "down-time" to truly appreciate them. He adored every single gift. Hands down, though, was the new bike (and matching helmet and knee pads - thank you Grandpa Jimmy and Grandma Shelby).
We took the kids to the nearby elementary school Sunday afternoon - and let them really test out their bikes. It was the first time either of them had been given a big, flat, uninterrupted place to ride - and ride they did...
The funniest part? When Anna would 'get stuck,' as in, stop pedaling, come to a stop, and couldn't figure out how to get moving again. I never said she was highly athletic.
James, bless his little heart, would ride up, dismount his bike, give her a push, get back on his bike, and happily pedal away.
Such a sweet little boy.
And thus concludes another happy birthday for sweet James.
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