Avengers Birthday Party (Part 1)

Birthday parties are a lot of work, and this year I decided I wasn't going to do one for Berkeley.  But then there is that moment when my kid says, What are we going to do for my birthday party this year?  And all of the sudden, you are planning a party.  I'm a real sucker and my kid can sadly talk me into nearly everything he wants (within reason).

Earlier this year Berke was all set for a Disney Cars birthday, but about 4 months ago that changed to an Avenger Birthday Party.  He learned about Avengers from his friends; we really knew little about them, but we went with it.  The last two weeks Christian and I have watched The Avengers, Captain America and Thor just to do some "research" for the party.  All of the sudden WE totally love all the Avengers too!

It's always hard to plan an indoor party in the middle of winter.  Avengers are so physical and so I had to figure out how to make this party work inside our small 2 bedroom apartment.  I am so thankful that Pintrest was there to be my BFF through the process.

Here's what we did:

I decoupaged Berkeley's name with Avenger comic books as a birthday present.  It turned out pretty adorable and he loves it.  We displayed this along side a picture with him dressed like Captain America.

We had our good friend Lauren make our cake.  She makes amazing cakes and did a fantastic job with this one! Captain America,  Hulk and Thor all in one amazing cake.  

This was how we displayed the cake and all the kids were excited to eat the cake the entire party!

For activities each of the children made their own Super Hero Shields.   We cut out cardboard circles, decoupaged colorful paper onto the cardboard.  I used spider man duct tape (found at Michaels) to make the handle on the back. I then purchased adhesive foam and stars.  The children were able to design their own shields  by cutting out shapes and letters with the help of their parents; they turned out really adorable.  I am proud to say this was my own idea, didn't get this one from Pintrest.  

Our small hallway was transformed into a photo booth for our super hero's!  Auntie G and Aunt Steffy made these awesome decorations with their paper cutter for the photo wall.  All the children got a their super hero picture taken once they had made their shields.  I had seen most other parties have a background of a city, which was adorable but I just didn't have the time to pull it off.  I thought this turned out amazingly adorable and took a lot less work than the city idea would have.  The bright colors really popped but didn't take away from the kids.

We fed the children a super hero lunch.  We had Captain America Shield sandwiches.  I made them on round deli thins and cut a star in the middle.  It was easy, fun and tasty.

This is how we decorated our kitchen.  Christian made and cut out these cute words on the wall.  He spent hours cutting them out perfectly; they were great!

Besides the sandwiches we had Spiderman fruit snacks, Spiderman Cheese Its, apples and carrots, string cheese and juice boxes.  It was a great array of Super Hero food that did not make a mess and were all finger foods.  I bought the Avenger plates and Napkins from Target, as well as the fierce Avengers cup to hold the string cheese (now Berke can use it to drink from).

We bought this Avengers Poster and had the children use the sticky foam stars to try to "pin the star on Captain America's chest" blindfolded.  It turned out cute and was also a nice decoration before the stars got pinned on.

As a party favor all the children received a bag of popcorn,

as well as these  Bottle cap "super hero medals" that I found on Etsy, which the kids loved and were super cool.

It was actually a lot of fun to get together ideas and execute them for Berkeley's 4th Birthday Party.  It turned out very well.

Birthday visit from Poppa

 My Dad flew in for a visit for Berkeley's fourth birthday.  We had a lot of fun playing with him; Berke was especially happy to spend time with his Poppa.

We all went candle pin bowling, where Berke basically kept up with everyone else because it is such a difficult sport.

Clearly happy with his last roll

We had a little birthday cake and sang a little tune to him.  Chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream was requested.

We got our first real snow storm on Sunday.  Berke doesn't have any memory of playing in the snow since we didn't really get any last year.  He was super excited to play in this cold wet white stuff.

"Poppa, make me a snow ball." was asked repeatedly

McDuff really loved running around in the fluffy white stuff; he was quite a character.

We also attended the Children's Museum, but didn't bring the camera with us.  Berkeley loves that place.

New Years Eve is this little man's birthday.  He happens to be on this lovely world 4 years this special day.  He woke up happy to find an array of beautifully colored balloons all over his room.

 This kid was spoiled again, just 6 days after Christmas.  His mommy and daddy and all his grandparents and aunts pulled through on making sure he had a special day.  Grandpa Sorrels made him this amazing Avenger blanket.  He got a lot of really cool Avenger toys.

 Poppa got him this amazing electric guitar and took him to Build a Bear on his special day, where Berke build a little doggie named Shep Shep.

 Grandma and Grandpa Gentry made B this awesome Super B cape (2 sided) and amazing Shield.

 We had a fun day playing with all of Berkeley's new toys.  We went out to eat at Jose's in Cambridge for some delicious dinner.

Christian slaved all day making a homemade Almond Joy Cheesecake which was AMAZING!!

 Berke stayed up late doing his CARS sticker book with his Poppa.

We were so happy to have a fun visit from Poppa.  He spoiled us all and Berke loved having someone new to play with!

FOUR YEARS

I just cannot believe my little man is four years old today. I still remember how scared and nervous I was to be this little guys mommy four years ago, when my water unexpectedly broke. There is so much responsibility in being in charge of a little life; sometimes I feel so inadequate, other times I feel so blessed.  The last four years have changed me; this little guy made me change for the better.  To be a better, healthier, kinder, more honest and giving person.  He teaches me daily what is truly important.  I love him so much and am glad I get to call him mine. 

Happiest Birthday sweet Berkeley Boo!

Interests:
Mickey Mouse and Friends
Yo Gabba Gabba
Lightning McQueen and friends
Avengers
The IPad
Lady Gaga and other "bad guy" music
Instruments
skateboarding (such an odd one for him, as he is the most cautious boy I know)
Wii Dancing games

Favorite Movies:
Cars
Cars 2
Monsters Inc.
Finding Nemo
Incredibles
HOP
Lorax
Toy Story (all 3 of them)
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (various episodes)

Favorite things to do:
Museum of Science
Children's Museum
Stay at Hotels
Go to the Park
Play with his friends
Go to the beach
Play with Auntie G and Aunt Steffy

Favorite: (an interview with the 4 year old)
color: orange
Avenger: Iron Man
Stuffed Animal: Minnie Mouse
Toy: firetruck
Food: string cheese (I would argue spaghettios as the top pick)
Dessert: M and M's
Letter: B
Drink: apple juice
Place: Disney World
Singer: Lady Gaga
Favorite Cars character: Toss up between Finn McMistle and Shu Toduroki

Berke has had a wonderful year.  This year his language development has grown leaps and bounds; he knows how to tell jokes, say things that are funny to get him out of trouble and (sadly) talk back.  He is making us laugh constantly with the funny things he says. 
The other day I got home from work and he was hitting me with a drum stick.  I told him if he kept hitting me I would take the drum stick away.  He then replied, "Listen Punk! If you take away my drum stick, I'll take it right back from you." I had to start laughing because I have no idea where he learns this stuff ( he never uses words like this).  My favorite is when he compliments me on my "cute shirt" or tells me, "You look pretty mom!" without being prompted.
He has done a lot better getting used to being with groups of children thanks to his day care.  He just adores playing with his friends and has even deemed his friend Lily as his girlfriend, whom he will marry when he gets big. She's a totally cute girl, so I'd be down with that.
Berke has been learning a lot, he does wonderful with all of his letters and had to work super duper hard to get his numbers down.  He struggled for months trying to get those numbers down, but with a lot of persistence he can now count to 10.
Berke has an amazing memory, especially when it comes to music.  He will hear a song at one place and then a few weeks or months later he will hear the song again and say, "Is that the song we heard when...." or "Is this song from this show?" It really is amazing how often it happens and it surprises us every time.  He really is a listener and is always listening to what is going on in his situation.
Berke has come a LONG way with his picky eating, while it is still an issue, he is now eating pizza and spaghetti (and LOVES it), and other normal kid foods.  He will now eat vegetables and many more fruits.  He is getting better at eating what we eat for dinner; I will admit this has been a tiresome task for us, but it has paid off.  He still doesn't like french fries or anything that is mixed together (no ketchup on hot dogs or sauce of any type).  He continues to be vegetarian with out even knowing it.  He has faux chicken nuggets and veggie dogs and that is all he has ever tasted; he has no idea he is different from kids who eat meat.
Berke is a child of the technology era, he loves his Ipad and knows how to use it well.  He would play with that or our Iphone all day if he could.  He tries to use the tv as a touch screen but it doesn't work.  He uses one of my old Ipods as his Iphone and loves listening to music on it.

I heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Santa came to our house this year!  So did the UPS driver baring gifts from 4 grandmas and 3 grandpas. Not to mention gifts from all our neighbors who also treat Berkeley as an adopted grandson.

Berke was OVER STIMULATED by all his presents this year.  He was just so excited to have so many new toys. 

 Here is his new balance bike.  

 DAISY!  He's in love, this doll and his sleeping bag, and his cars, and his race track, and his doctor kit, and his camping play set, and his Wii Carnival game, and..... may be his favorite.  Daisy is the last of his Disney pals that he didn't have; now the family is complete.  Daisy hasn't left his side all day and Berke loves her "cute purple bow."

 No Christmas would be complete without an instrument or two at the Gentry house.  Berkeley got a fun trumpet and a small drum set this year.

Berkeley has been asking for skateboard all year.  I guess Santa listened cause he brought him this cool Spiderman skateboard!  He also got a boogy board for the ocean in the summer too.

Berkeley had such a wonderful Christmas.  

He was very loved and it's clear that his family loves him oodles (and Christian and I for that matter!)

McDuff also got some serious Christmas love this year.  He got a new reversible jacket, a new tag for his collar from his doggy pal across the street, 3 boxes of treats from various neighbors, a fox and a squeaky bone.  He is licking his chops from the delicious raw hide candy cane he just devoured.

Christian was very happy with his new:

Soda machine

Kureg

socks

Bow ties and skinny tie

books

documentary

sleeping bag

hot pads

shirt and jeans

Laci loves her new:

kindle

bras

tea kettle and tea

infinity scarfs

Wii Hip hop dance game (I will play as soon as my broken toe heals!)

sleeping bag

dutch oven

hands towel

pandora charm

We had a wonderful day together as a family.  We opened presents, ate monkey bread and fruit, played with toys, took a nap, ate more, played more, read new books, watched Where the Wild Things Are (I may have cried), skyped with family, talked with family on the phone, cleaned up a bit, watched The Lorax and ate some more.  Great times!

Twas the Night Before Christmas

We hosted our sixth Christmas Eve party last night.  We had 30 people crammed into our small and humble abode; but it was filled with love and nobody spent the night alone, which is really all that matters.  

We had a fun photo booth this year.  Berkeley makes quite a darling Santa, don't you agree?

 The Gentry Family Christmas photo for 2012! 

 A fine looking crew.

 Our Nativity Cast

It's never easy to pull off a show this big with 10 children, only one being older than 4 years.  I think the kids did a terrific job however.  Berkeley was the role of Wise Man this year, he graduated from the shepherd role he held last year.  The play was complete with sheep, narrator and many a Christmas carol being sung by our unphoto'd Heavenly Choir. 

 Mary and Joseph were quite adorable this year.  Mary did throw Baby Jesus down on the ground once and may have been strangling him a bit during the show, but for only being 3 she sat still for quite a long time before saying, "I'm done!"  Joseph was a real trooper; accepted all of the gifts from the Wise Men with much poise.  While he refused to hold baby Jesus (it is after all not really his biological child and he's still getting used to this whole idea of being the father to Jesus), who can blame him?

 Christian always provides nice piano playing while we sing songs during the nativity and then more merriment afterward.

 Merry Christmas from the Ladies

  and the Gents!

 It was quite a fun night and I hope good times were had by all.  Christian had a good time, but still needed a little drink at the end of the night from all the excitement!

It's the most wonderful time...

I love everything leading up to Christmas!  How can you not love the month of December, other than I am completely exhausted from over committing myself to way too many things.?!  

One weekend we traveled downtown to see the lights and light show at Faneuil Hall.  We took a family ride on the train and chilled downtown (literally and figuratively). 

 There were many beautiful Christmas trees and lights everywhere.  It was well worth the trip.

 There was a light show every 30 minutes set to music.  It was great to see all the lights correspond with the music being played.  Berkey was loving it!

 We visited a cute Christmas shop and picked up our yearly ornaments; Berke got a Micky Mouse playing a drum and Christian and I got a cute Country Music one with a guitar and banjo.  The night was basically the best cause I got to hang out with these two gems.

 I attended my sixth annual wreath making party put on by the Cambridge first ward.  I cannot believe this was my sixth Christmas in Boston!

I took two of my sweet neighbors with me and they had a great time.  I am truly blessed to have the BEST neighbors in the WORLD!! Gotta love Charlotte and Sis.

 Our finished products!  

 This year my brother is Afganistan for Christmas.  I had an overwhelming amount of support from friends who donated food and money to send to him and his officer friends.  My brother got the loot a few days before Christmas; it made me miss him so badly.  

I also was privileged to attend the Boston Ballet's Nutcracker with some friends this year as well.  It was the best performance I have seen of the Nutcracker; truly amazing.  Berkey has been obsessed with the Nutcracker this year and has informed me that I must take him next year.  I'll admit the little girls in dresses with their mommies where adorable; I'm thinking dressing up Berke fancy pants next year could be equally as cool.  I also decided my skinny little man could def be a ballerina; he has the body type for sure and he loves to dance.   

Thirty two

My birthday was a week long event this year.  Falling on a Tuesday apparently gives you all week to celebrate! My actual birthday was a long work day that was brightened by my husband sending me flowers, coming home from work early to bring me dinner and a Just Dance Party on my new Wii with some of my gal pals.  

 Friday Night my friend Kate and I had a joint birthday celebration with some of our closest friends.  We went to a fabulous restaurant right out of the '20's called Cuchi Cuchi.  Everyone was able to get drinks (they have a large assortment of virgin cocktails) and dessert.  It was fun to see everyone get dressed up and go out for a really fun and special girls night out.

 Bonnie, Laci, Megan

 Kate, Gwen, Leslie

 Lisa, Marci, Aubrey

 Girly time

 Courtney and Elizabeth

 The next morning I was forced able to run with my ladies in the snow, on a cold yet enchanting jont along the Charles River.  I love this run, but am sad it is getting cold and am not sure how much longer I will be running outdoors.

 Saturday night we went on a double date with G and Stef to a fun place called Trina's Starlight Lounge which had some of the most delicious food my mouth has experienced in some time.  We had a fun night full of laughing and dancing (on the Wii).

Thirty two feels old; older than I felt at thirty one, but I feel happy with life and blessed to have my life full of so many rich and wonderful relationships.