Elijah's 3rd birthday party

A modest home affair. 13 kids--3 Shullenbargers, 3 Jeromes, 2 kids from church, 2 kids from the neighborhood, 2 brothers from game night, and 1 girlfriend (older, of course) plus the assortment of parents, Jaci and by request PAH.

Trains were the theme and although it was dubbed the Island of Sodor it was a geotrax set up to play with. Food included homemade pizza by Chris the master pizza maker, carrots with "banch", pretzels with mustard, and jigglers red for James, green for Percy and blue for Thomas! Our activity and goodie bag was to paint an engine with a car to go with.

Jessica worked hard to select a purse friendly one for what she thought would be 11 kids. We struck out at AC Moore and Michaels but Walmart had some but not enough to buy individuals. The packed ones though were slightly cheaper so we got some extra engines. God is gracious and he does "gently lead those that have young" Isaiah 40:11. We had exactly 26 pieces and all party goers got an engine and a car. The older sisters got matching train cars and they were simply happy to have the same!

Cake time and presents closed out an action packed 90 miuntes. The troublesome trucks wished the birthday boy a "Happy 3rd Birthday, Elijah". The trucks and Thomas' coal stash were enough for all the guests. Presents were a pleasure. Each one was special to him. He opened a sitcker book and declared "Ah-ha!" in a very pleased and satisfied voice.