Partying

Elsa had her first kid party for her birthday this year—she got to invite all her friends to Pump It Up, a bouncy inflatables place out in Brookfield. She's been to a few parties there recently, and when I asked her where she wanted her party, she answered "Pump It Up!" with no hesitation.

I think the kids all had a wonderful time, especially Elsa! They spent the first hour and a half bouncing their hearts out. Here's Elsa on the big slide, which she only got brave enough for in the last few months. She used to go up there and cry because once she got to the top, it was too scary for her. But at her party, she flew down it time after time.

Karina on the big slide.

Getting ready for "jousting" with Brian.

They seemed to like the jousting. They also got to use some comically-oversized boxing gloves. Unfortunately, they were so comically oversized that Elsa couldn't even swing her arms.

Claire still doesn't get into the bouncing with the big kids, so she stuck with the driving the emergency vehicles.

After spending all that time bouncing off the walls (literally), the kids were ready to top it off with a sugar high. Here's Elsa with Anna (our next-door neighbor), Maddie, and Maria, awaiting cake.

Elsa while everybody sang Happy Birthday.

Blowing out the candles on her princess cake.

The green frosting did not disappoint.

Sitting in the "birthday girl chair."

Emily and Tim.

David.

Dominick.

Izzy.

Enjoying her time on the throne.

The whole group (minus Anna, who didn't want to be in the picture).

The obligatory "silly face" group portrait.

Elsa has such a nice group of friends, and she deserved every minute of this party, because she's such a great kid. Happy fifth birthday a little early, sweet pea!