Circus Birthday Party

 We had a perfect window of good weather for the party.  It was raining just before the party started, and started pouring not 10 minutes after the last guest left.

Austin's circus party was partially inspired by Dr. Suess' "If I Ran the Circus."  We had to have pink lemonade because it's in the book... :)  There was also popcorn and pretzels for the kids to enjoy during the show.

We stained the playset a week or two before Austin's party.  I bought some 'home gym' mats to put on the platform to make it safer and more comfortable for the kids.  Between the mat and stain Austin thought we'd purchased him an entirely new swing set.  "Mommy, who got me this cool slide?" "Came with the house sweetie..."  He has never gone up the ladder or down the slide on his own until this day.  Now he loves it. :)
 

Meet Nathan, our talented guest performer. Nathan just turned 19 and is now on a mission for our church in New York. We saw him perform at a talent show back in March and Austin LOVED his juggling. Jeff and I knew we had to have Nathan do a show for Austin's birthday before he left (which is why we celebrated Austin's birthday a couple weeks early).

 

 Everybody in a trance watching Nathan's mad juggling skills.

Wearing the juggling rings

Austin, Nathan, and Harrison 

Nathan told us he could juggle babies.  He wanted to try with Austin.  He tossed a couple balls in the air and switched Austin from one side to the other while he tried to catch the balls with his other hand.  Austin is a lot heavier than a baby and didn't move so freely.  It was pretty funny. (Addison is checking out our 'Ring of Fire' in the background)

Lillie, Harry, and Austin checking out the juggling stuff after the show.  [Nathan made homemade juggling balls out of rice and balloons for all of the kids - what a cool dude!]

It was a great party, I'm so glad so many of Austin's friends could make it.  We had a blast!