"He did what in his cup?"

If you are a movie buff then that post title should tell you what the theme of Cole's 3rd birthday party was. If not, then this first picture should clue you in. Due to Cole's absolute obsession with this movie it was clear that this had to be a Cars themed party.

This cake was definitely a labor of love, but so fun and well worth it. The track is crushed oreo's and the grass is dyed coconut. Cole really wanted a Piston Cup on his cake, and he was insistant that his crashed Mr. the King had to go on top since that is after all what he looks like after the big race. Thanks go to Becca for providing the fondant for the sides, I can't imagine what a disaster it would have been to try that with just frosting. The one casualty, our fingers will be black for a while from dying it black, small price to pay right?

Thanks also go to Justin for making this amazing banner. I think it turned out great, and I am so glad he did it because I would have gone crazy trying to get it looking this good!

So onto the party. Do you think he looks a little excited? I don't know why he looks like he is glowing in these pictures (evidence why I should have had Val take the pictures I guess!).

How awesome is this shirt? Grandma and Grandpa gave it to him a while ago and it went perfectly with our motif! You'll have to check out the back of it in some of the later pic's.

So after a million pictures Cole was apparently ready to dig in...

We took that as a cue to sing and blow out candles. Anyone who was there can attest to the fact that Cole was a bit overwhelmed by a room full of people singing at him. He had a small break down during the song, but perked right up when he saw the fire he got to blow out.

Then it was time to dig in! We had so many friends kind enough to come help us celebrate Cole's special day. And for the first time Cole had friends his age at his party instead of only Mom and Dad's friends (but let's be honest it's a party for us too right? I mean we have successfully kept him alive for 3 years!). The kids took over our kitchen floor and went to town on their cake and ice cream. Our friends were all so willing to help I didn't have to do a thing to facilitate the distribution and consumption of the masterpiece.

mmmmm...

How did he get this old? He looks so grown up in these pictures.

All that sugar was immediately followed by a sugar rush. Which led to what these kids thought was the best game ever...spinning in a chair. What party planner's we are eh? Our wonderful friends put up with all that noise and stayed to help us have just as much fun as the kids!

Don't worry, Ali was not left out of the fun either. She was perfectly content to go to town on the discarded wrapping paper. Cole was spoiled this birthday by friends who knew just what to get him (even though they were told presents were not necessary).
We feel so lucky to have friends to get together and celebrate with. We absolutely loved it!

As the night grew late (well late by 3 year old standards), and the sugar rush wore off, and everyone went home, it was time for one last treat...

Cole chatted on the phone with his Nana and Papa. Then he got to video chat with Grandma and Grandpa. My parents had sent up Cole's gift (the cars above) so that he could open it in front of the web cam with them watching on his b-day.

After he was thoroughly convinced of how much he is loved, there was nothing left to do but plop down on his new Lightening McQueen blanket, courtesy of mom and dad, and go to sleep as a 3 year old.