Carter's Third Birthday Party

Today was Fire Chief Carter's third birthday party.  The weather forecast had been looking rough all week calling for showers and overcast skies.  So we were shocked and thrilled when right at party time, the skies cleared and the sun came out!  It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon.

Carter asked for a fire truck party so we planned a fun trip at a local park.  Carter invited his friends from school, the neighborhood, family and family friends.  We were so lucky that so many wonderful people were able to spend the day with us!

The kids (and adults) played in the sand...

and on the playground while we waited for the main attraction.

Carter saw his birthday banner and thought that was what the fuss was all about.

But little did he know what was right around the corner.  With lights on and sirens blaring, a fire truck came driving up to the party.  Carter immediately stopped what he was doing and ran screaming towards the truck.  His face lit up and he had a permanent look of shock on his face.  

Carter immediately ran up to the fireman to ask about the truck and where his fire hat was.

The fireman gathered all the kids around to tell them about the truck.  The kids listened intently.

After getting their instructions, the kids ran to check out the truck.

Testing out the seat

Uncle Reid was on watch with Carter and to make sure he doesn't fall off duty

Carter telling Reid what everything is

Uncle Micheal took Parker up top and I love our neighbor Lucas in the background!

Uncle Micheal and Cousin Samantha

Testing out the wheel

Little baby in a big truck!

The kids had a blast climbing all over the truck!  But then the real fun came.  The kids got to go on a ride!  Carter sat up front next to the fireman with Cousin Samantha, our neighbor Jack and his friend Julian (Julian's dad jumped in too and took some great pictures for us!).

The kids little heads in the big truck.  

Carter starting the truck

Helping drive

Trying on the hat (while sharing a seat belt with Samantha!)

Entertaining the fireman

The fire truck took a little ride around the block for 10 minutes or so.  It came back to get another load of kids so Carter took advantage of the other truck at the party... the ice cream truck!

And thanks to Uncle Micheal, Parker took advantage too!

The ice cream truck was definitely a hit with the kids!

We were very fortunate to have lots of family on hand to help us watch the kids!

Especially because the fire truck was back and dad really wanted to take a ride!

It was a family affair as Uncle Reid and Cousin Samantha sat on one side

While Carter (with neighbor Jack and his snow cone) sat on the other side.

We took advantage of the truck and took a family picture.

And a few of the kids (with treats)

With his friends from school: Brynn, John Paul, Brynn's brother, Jack, Carter and Julianna

We also took some fun pictures with the fire truck poster.

And soon it was time for cake (yes we had an ice cream truck and a cake)... fire truck themed of course!

Carter was slightly confused when everyone gathered around and started to sing to him but he loved it!

It took a few tries but he blew out all three candles.

Carter got the biggest grin on his face when everyone clapped after he blew out the last candle.  I was too busy watching to take a picture but I have a fabulous mental image of it.  That was definitely the best moment of the day!

Despite all the ice cream, everyone wanted cake too!

Parker enjoyed a few bites (with Uncle Micheal of course!).

After cake, the kids played for a while and slowly trickled home.  They took with them a fun goodie bag with a fire hat, fire balloon, fire truck book and stuffed dalmatian.

Carter had a great day!  And hopefully all our guests did too.  We had so much fun seeing all our friends and are extremely grateful for everyone who came to celebrate!