This year seems to be the year of parties. Dan had a birthday party, I had a birthday party, my brother-in-law had a birthday party, my brother had a birthday party, and now Ryan’s birthday party is just a few weeks away. A birthday party theme catalog arrived in the mail a few months ago, and at that time he was torn between Thomas the Tank Engine and Yo Gabba Gabba. But more recently he decided — seemingly out of nowhere — that he would like to have a Ni Hao Ki Lan birthday party. So I went to the same online party store I’ve been using for the past few years, Celebrate Express, and ordered a few sets of invites and thank you cards. The thank you cards have been put aside, and the invitations were mailed last week, and I even sent out a Facebook invite (that my dorky husband declined, haha), so now all that’s left to do is wait for the RSVPs… and then hurry and get the party day planned.
I love having a nice little birthday party for Alyssa and Ryan every year, but man are they exhausting. I’m hoping that this year’s party will be less of a drain on me, since I’m breaking the self-induced tradition of having them at home by instead choosing to have Ryan’s at a local park. There’s a pavilion there, complete with grills, electrical outlets and nearby bathrooms, plus a large playground for Alyssa and Ryan to play on. I’m thinking packing the food in a cooler, using disposable plates, cups and utensils, and not having a house to prep and then clean up. WHOO HOO!
Sidenote: here are Ryan’s photos from his last three birthdays. (Try not to stare too long at the delicious birthday cake, or you’ll be needing industrial strength scales!) 
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My name is Jenn, and I'm 27 years old. I'm happily married to my best friend and soulmate, Daniel. Together we have a six year old daughter named 
Name: Alyssa
Name: Ryan
