From the day Ben left, the kids have talked about having a party when he came home. I just let them dream about it and let them have something positive to think about, but never thought it would actually happen. Then I realized that Ben was coming home right before Eli's birthday and I heard that base gives very generous deals to deployed families on rentals. They gave us our pick of any bounce house, 4 tables and chairs, a big cooler and a snow cone machine for 4 days, for $75! There are some perks to military life :) I may have overcompensated for feeling bad for our kids not having a daddy home for 6.5 months and let them pick the most giant bounce house. It was pretty hysterical setting it up.
A few ladies from church helped me decorate during sewing club the week before.
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| 7 sign made by Eli |
The front door is a perfect example of my life with Alison. I hung up the wreath and put out the mat. The next day, while I was on a jog, Alison put up a "Welcome Home Daddy" sign that she drew and covered the door and hearts. She likes to add a little pizazz to my classic look. The morning Ben came home, Laurel sent her husband over to line our sidewalk with flags and left champagne on our doorstep; just a small example of the love that has been poured onto our family.
Well, this picture is giving me fits, but if you squint, you can see a banner Alison made and signs the boys made. The kids made stars that are on the table and we added some science to the decoration and made red and blue flowers.
Gwen made the cake and cupcakes. Aren't they amazing?!
Eli built the napkin holders and a few table decorations.
And Laurel brought a flag kabob tray...sorry it's upside down.
Snow cone and superhero dress up station:
Our church family was anxious to help us celebrate and made this party so easy. Seriously. They brought all the food (Ben smoked pork as the main dish) and helped us pick up all the equipment and even stayed to tear things down.
Right before this picture, Colin said to Andrew, "Isn't this the best day ever?"
I am SO glad Ben is home, but I am not ready for this little boy to be 7.
The kids did laps through the bounce house for hours. It's a good thing we had snow cones to keep their energy up!
I didn't get all the pictures I wanted, but it was an evening I won't forget. We certainly have a lot to celebrate and a lot of people to thank.
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