Henry Is (almost) 6!

When Jake started kindergarten I had this great idea to invite his whole kindergarten class to a special birthday party in our backyard. It has, of course, become a tradition for ALL of the Downing kids. We've had many themes including, Harry Potter, Curious George and Princess, for our only girl. This year, I say with more than a bit of sadness, was our last kindergarten bash. We celebrated Henry's forthcoming 6th birthday with a Backyard Carnival!

As we know, the cake picture is the important one. For this special event I have always ordered a party cake from The Cakery. They made our wedding cake, all of our first birthday cakes and many cakes in between. Bob, the owner, is amazingly talented and bakes a great cake. His butter cream includes butter - need I say more? We gave them a napkin and the above is a perfect replica. Did I say he is amazing and his cakes are great?

In keeping with the theme Henry chose, there was popcorn, peanuts, face painting and tattoos. Inspired by Miss Kim, we had to have Bozo buckets, too. The highlight was the moon jump - a big investment but part of the deal for this extra special event.

Here they are - the class of 2023 (gulp) clowning for the camera. Special old friends, neighbors and lots and lots of new friends finding a special place in our lives were on hand to share in the festivities.

It's the beginning, and a bittersweet end, of an era.