11th Birthday Party

 We celebrated Thomas's 11th birthday yesterday at our house with a bunch of his friends.

He's had plenty of celebrations this year, hasn't he?

We're finally done.

Yesterday was a beautiful, hot, day - perfect for a Swimming & Sundaes party.

This is the 7th year we've celebrated his birthday this way.

I always give him the option of a different kind of party, but this is what he chooses each year.

Works for me!

 Thomas puts a long list together from school, church, and other friends and we usually have a good sized crowd. Parents drop off the kids and we hang out by the pool for 3 hours and watch their unlimited energy. 

You can see a bunch of the kids playing hide-and-seek in the background.

They swim, float, run, play badminton, swing, play frisbee and just hang out.



I set up Sundaes and they make their own.

It couldn't be easier.

Later in the afternoon I set out carrots, grapes, chips, and pretzels.

David sets out coolers with water, Gatorade and soft drinks.

Thomas opened his presents towards the end.

In Mexico you never opened gifts at the party, but I find that kids really want to see them being opened in the US.  We always encourage parents to do something small if they want to bring a gift.  These kids don't need a thing.

You'll notice an absence of girls at this party.

They're 11, that's why.

Girls are a part of life at school, etc. but not necessary to make a party.

One of the boys actually thanked me not for not inviting all the girls from their class.  As if.

Then back in the pool until the parents show up.

I think everyone had a blast yesterday.

And just for fun, here is a photo of Thomas and his friend Rissa at his first pool party 6 years ago when he turned 5.

I am sure we'll be using this photo at graduation and rehearsal dinner time in years to come :)