Tyler's 3rd birthday party

I cannot believe we have an almost 3 year old! Where has the time gone?!

We celebrated Tyler's birthday with friends a weekend early, because we were out of town for a family wedding on his actual birthday. I decided back in the winter that I wanted to have his party at the splash park...we had been to several parties there last year and I thought Tyler was old enough to really enjoy it. Plus, I wanted an offsite location that required as little prep and effort as possible. I went on the hunt to find some cute invites, bought some water gun party favors, DIY'ed a few other decorations, ordered cupcakes from Sam's, got tons of snack food from Costco and we were all set!

Tyler woke up in a bit of a 3-year-old mood, but was SUPER pumped for his party and to eat cupcakes. The forecast called for rain, but we really lucked up and got a perfectly beautiful Summer day! It wasn't too hot and the park wasn't that crowded either...though, Russ got there early to reserve our spot and we started the party at 9:30a to make sure it wasn't too packed.

Tyler and Caroline were both really shy about the sprinklers. Caroline LOVED the idea at first and ran right out there, but when they sprayed her with cold water, she got scared and came running! She pretty much rotated between me, Russ or Granna's arms most of the party. Tyler loved watching the water spraying and all his friends play, but did not want to go in at first. Both Granna (who didn't wear a bathing suit because I told her she wouldn't need one! Whoops!) and Russ had to run with him through the sprinklers so he would get wet. He got a little braver right as it was time for cupcakes, of course!

Quiet splash pad before everyone arrived.

Granna will do anything for Tyler...like run through the sprinklers over and over without her bathing suit!

Bennett spraying the water gun.

Jeff, Jaxson and Madison with Wesleigh in the background.

Sweet little AJ was the youngest partier there.

Preston showed no fear!

Andrea with Bennett and Parker

Axel and AJ, Russ and Caroline and Brad

William and Madison

Madison and Wesleigh enjoying a snack with Mamas Meredith and Stephanie

Sweet doll baby, Margo. Love those blue eyes!

The birthday boy coaxed Mommy into running through the sprinklers, too.

We took a cupcake break, sang Happy Birthday and loaded the kids full of sugar and junk before they went back out to play. Several people had never been to the splash park before and raved about how perfect it was for a party. The kids really all did have an absolute blast! Tyler really enjoyed himself after his sugar rush and had so much fun!

Maddison and Chloe just love Tyler and always have!

Tyler requested a chocolate cupcake with green icing, so that's what he got!

Madison, Jaxson, Wesleigh, Bennett, Ryan, Will

Get after it, Bennett!!

We crammed a lot of kids on one picnic table!

Kalista held Caroline while we got cupcakes to everyone.

Of course, Little Miss had to have a cupcake, too.

Our little party set up under the shade trees.

Sweet Hetzler family!

William from Tyler's class, his sister Madison and mom Megan.

Travis and baby Carys.

Me and my twin, sweet Madison.

Hugging Bennett bye.

Happy Birthday to our big boy! May you always be surrounded by good friends, try new things and have fun in all you do! Oh, and may your temper tantrums become fewer and far between...ha! We love you!!

The best family photo from the day!