The Big Firetruck Birthday

Joshua informed us a while back that he was going to have a firetruck birthday party this year. Today was the big day, and what a great day it was! We had firetruck balloons

firemen cupcakes

and a firetruck cake (which took me about 2 hours to decorate this morning)

We had about 40 people here for the party, including all of Joshua's aunts, uncles and cousins. This was the first time in the long time that everyone has gotten together, and the first time since Baby Adria was born, so it was a truly blessed day for our family. The kids started the party with some water play out in the backyard, with the Slip n Slide and inflatable pool.

After eating some yummy hamburgers and hot dogs made by Grill Master Daddy, the kids got to take their best shots at the firetruck pinata.

We were hoping that the Chandler Fire Department would bring by a firetruck, but that didn't pan out. But Uncle Jonathon is a fireman in Las Vegas, and he brought all of his fire gear to the party, so we got to have a real fireman, which was such a treat for the kids!

Jonathon taught the children that, although a fireman might look scary, with his mask and suit on, he's not someone you should run away from. He's someone you run to because he's there to help you. It was so great to be able to incorporate that important lesson into all of the fun. Some of the kids were a little frightened, including Ben, but most were simply fascinated with him!

After blowing out his candles and opening his presents, it was time for our friends and family to say goodbye. Even though we didn't have a real firetruck like we'd hoped, I don't think Joshua could have been happier with his firetruck birthday party. It was a truly great day!