Everyone loves a parade (party).

So, Andy, my second child, turned three yesterday. And again, I know most people sob and say, has it already been three years, but trust me, I know it has been THREE years!

At any rate, last year, I really did try to have a party for him. But with two kids so close in age, it is really difficult to determine what James likes and what Andy likes. James just really likes EVERYTHING. Especially birthdays. Andy, is less...obvious. I mean, he is pretty obvious what he does NOT like, but we are not always sure what he likes. So, in thinking for a party, we did want to do something special for Andy. We thought and thought and thought about this. And then one night, all of a sudden it came to me, we should have a parade! And we did. Again, don't get me wrong. James likes music, marching, and parades, but in all fairness, so does Andy. So we threw him a parade party.

We had it at a local park and although it did not rain during the party, it rained a lot the night before. We got there early to dry everything off. Here is James doing his part. Look how smart he is! I am totally sending this in with our multiage classroom application next year!



Andy dried things off for awhile, but I guess decided that now that he is three, he is old enough to "do the pool". So, it is ok with us Ms. Jenny if they "do the pool".



Since this was Andy's party, we served all of his favorite foods: juice boxes, yogurt raisens, watermelon, and BBQ chips. Actually he doesn't care for watermelon, but Jamed LOVES it and so Andy said he did. Oops!



Since this was a parade party, I had all the kids made flags to wave. Here is James:



And Andy.



And now for the actual parade. We had some music, the flags, some musical instruments and marched up and down the road. Now, this was the first parade party I have ever host, and might be the first EVER, but for future reference, we should have praticed or had lessons. Apparently not everyone constantly marches around their house like we do!



Andy's favorite part was the cake. Not sure if it was everyone singing to him, or the actual cupcakes, but he did like both.



Then we did our traditional gift exchange.



And then all the kids played with their gifts. It is like another activity...I am really not sure why the gift exchange hasn't caught on!



Andy had a great time and he is ready for his party again. Um, it might be awhile!