Eli's Basketball Birthday Party

Birthday + Basketball + the Boys = a Super fun Party!! 

Eli had a great day today celebrating his birthday with his friends. I need to take pictures of the invitations but we went all out on the basketball theme. They were a ticket with a VIP pass for each friend. It was great that every boy wore their VIP pass to the party. So fun! And they all brought their g-a-m-e.....they were ready to play ball. We used sidewalk chalk to draw the court. Our next door neighbor Henry was the "Coach" and played ball with the kids and led them in some games. It was so much fun to watch. My very most favorite moment was when Eli and his buddy Fisher chest bumped after one of them made a shot. It was hilarious to watch them. The boys played on teams, did some shooting contests and goofed off. Eli wasn't happy when he got knocked out of one of the games - apparently when you're the Birthday Boy, you get unlimited chances. =)

Front door decorations - I don't think anyone came in the front door! 

Warming up with Henry before his friends got there

These six year olds "got game"! 

Eli dribbling against Fisher (in the gray).

Eli and Ryan 

Free throw contest

After the first round of games, we had pizza for lunch followed by cupcakes, cake and cookies. 

Pizza table and Eli's birthday banner

Basketball that all of his friends and family signed along with basketball cookies and chocolate treats. 

The only picture I have of the whole gang - minus Ryan who had to leave early. From L-R, Cole, Valentino, Eli, Lucas, AJ, Fisher, Griffin, Evan, Christopher and Evan. We were missing a few friends but everyone had a great time. 

The little boys took over the big table, leaving the little table for the Daddies.....notice the bench that is flexing. 

My first 3d cake - I attempted a basketball cake for Eli. He and his friends loved it! 

Yummy cupcakes! 

Mr. Basketball loved it all

Candles and singing....I love how every picture I have of Eli during singing, he looks so happy. 

Make a wish!!

After cake and cookies (I think almost every boy got one of each!), it was time for presents!! I think that is by far everyone's favorite part. Each friend loved it when Eli opened their gift and of course, Eli loved being the center of attention and getting presents. He was so funny when he would call out "a hush among the crowd" when they got loud. He made sure to say who gave him each gift and I think he thanked them as well. Such sweet friends to bring him gifts! 

My sweet Cole loves little babies. He couldn't wait to "hold" Parker - the little brother of our friends Lucas, Griffin and Evan. It's so funny that in a few years, we will take their school by storm. We'll alternate the boys and have kids in K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades! 

Grandma & Grandpa C came up to help celebrate. Glad they could be here.

Grandma & Grandpa N came up too - very lucky to have BOTH sets of Grandparents. I love how both families value family time and family celebrations. The boys are so lucky!

Front of Eli's "quillow" that Grandma N made for him. It folds up into a pillow and is for him to take when we go camping. 

Back side

Best family shot we got that day. Eli, my big boy, I hope you had so much fun at your birthday party and I hope 6 is an awesome year!! We all love you so much!!