it's great to be 8...

On Saturday our sweet Zach turned 8! I just can't believe that I have another child that is getting SO old! Turning 8 means choosing to be baptized, starting scouts, and it also means he gets to have a friend party. Because his birthday fell on General Conference weekend we decided to do his party the day before. He wanted a basketball party...so I did some searching and gathered a bunch of fun ideas.

I created the 4x6 invites in Photoshop.
(I used gg digitals Nothin' But Net kit...the colors were PERFECT)

I decorated our dining room like I usually do, but chose our themes colors: orange, black, white, and blue. As I got going I decided to hang some balloons on the light fixture...then I thought I could try to make it look like a hoop...I think it turned out pretty cute!

Zach isn't a huge cake fan so I decided to make cupcakes. There was a great idea on line to make them look like little basketballs. I frosted them orange and then dipped them in orange sprinkles. Then I took some chocolate frosting and drew on the lines.

I gathered a bunch of basketball coloring pages and printed them into packets for the kids to color while we waited for everyone to arrive. The kids enjoy coloring and it keeps them busy while they wait!

Once everyone had arrived we headed out front for a little warm up. I had the kids do jumping jacks, push ups, crunches, and practice sprinting. Kids this age just love any form of competition! It was cute to see them try their hardest.

Next I had them practice their bb skills. We had a dribbling contest and a free throw contest!

After we had worn them out it was time for pizza and Gatorade.
I was SO glad it was warm enough weather for them to all eat outside!

Next up was opening presents!

One of the girls that Zach invited came prepared with a joke gift because it was April fools day too. She brought a "girl" gift for him to open thinking that it was the gift she REALLY brought. He was surprised and laughed a bunch...then she went around the corner and got his real gift! I thought it was pretty clever of her!

Time for blowing out the candles!

and last but not least a pinata!

I made little gift bags for the kids to take home. I found some GREAT inexpensive things on line at Oriental Trading. They had the cutest little foam fingers. I also included basketball whistles, basketball pencils (OT engraved them for free ...each pencil said "MVP #8 Zach Jordan) OT also had some really fun sports key chains that the kids put together before dinner.

The part was a hit and Zach and his friends all had a fun time. Parties wear me out...which is why I am SO glad I only do them on even birthdays...whew!

Zach is such a sweet and tender kid. I adore that he still loves to cuddle and hug! He has such passion for life and enjoys giving everything he tries 100% of his energy. Sometimes this energy and passion can get him into trouble, but he is quick to say he is sorry and make it right! He loves to play basketball with Noah and Travis, play the wii, draw, and ride his scooter.

Zach is such a joyful member of our family and we wouldn't be complete with out him!