Giant NERF Gun War - Best Party Ever!!

Hunter - 11 years old

Hunter's birthday was a busy, busy day.  We had a nice breakfast, but it was rushed enough that I didn't get a picture until after school when we all got together for a quick happy birthday before Emma ran off to an activity and Hunter ran off to football practice.  

The real celebration was Friday night.  

Moving to a new school meant Hunter doesn't get to see a lot of his school friends that he's grown up with.  He was really down about that when school started and although he is starting to make new friends at his new school, we decided that for his birthday party we wanted to do something where he could invite ALL of his school friends.  Call me crazy, but he invited 20 friends.  18 came.  

 The invitations said:
"Bring your favorite NERF gun and come to the park for a giant NERF gun war!"

Austin was ready.

Jared had been feeling sick all week and truthfully, I wasn't sure he'd be able to make the party.  Thank goodness he'd gone in to the doctor earlier that day and had gotten on an antibiotic that helped him to feel a little better. I'm not sure I could have run the NERF gun war nearly as well as he did.  It was a blast for this group of 10 and 11 year olds, they looked like they were having the time of their lives.

It was so fun to see all these boys running around with their giant NERF guns, extra ammunition, some even had vests and night vision goggles.  They were seriously up for a battle.

 Can you see the kid hiding up in the tree?

We could barely convince the kids to stop and eat pizza, they were having so much fun.  Once they finally took a break, they devoured the entire table of food like a pack of wild dogs.  It was seriously crazy.

And they devoured this cake made from hostess twinkies just as quickly.

We all went back to our house to open presents and watch a movie.

I like to take a picture of my kids next to their friends with each gift.  It's easier than trying to write down what everyone gave them and makes writing Thank You notes so much easier.  I gave up after the first two gifts were opened.  Opening gifts looked a bit like this...

It was pure chaos.  We just had to get through it.
Hunter has really great friends, they were so thoughtful and he was thrilled with each and every gift.

The boys watched a movie and ate tons of candy.  I think it's safe to say they all had a great time, and my boy loved every minute of the party which made it all worth it!  It was just what he needed.

Saturday was game day! 

 That's Hunter right in front of the guy waving.  #56.

Hunter in action - kicking the ball.

And check out this cute cousin who came to cheer on Hunter at his game.  

Baby Rigdon just 8 weeks old.

Happy Birthday Hunter.  We couldn't love you more!