Party at the Little Gym

This year we celebrated Grace's birthday at the Little Gym.

They started her party off by having all the kids sit in a circle and one at a time say "Happy Birthday" to Grace.

Then they kids got to play on all the gym equipment.

Grace was so funny showing me how strong she was.

Faith, as usual, tried following in her sister's shoes.

Then the children ran around on the mat together.  Grace was an airplane.

Next, they rode noodles and pretended to be cowgirls and cowboys.

After that, it was follow-the-leader time.  Grace was the leader.

Then Grace took the time to help her little sister play for a bit.

Soon it was back to the bars.

Grace is more bendy than I give her credit for.

And really likes those bars.

After a while, Faith warmed up to all the gym equipment.

And before we knew it, they brought out a great big wheel for the kids to ride.

And flip off.

Grace loved it.

Faith, however, was terrified.

Then the kids jumped on the air mat.

Grace loves jumping.

And the air mat was right up her alley.

Soon they deflated the air mat and it was time for cake and presents!

Grace was very excited to blow out her candles.   

So we brought the castle cake to her.

And she blew out her candles before we even sang "Happy Birthday" to her.  It took two more attempts before she'd let us finish the song.

Then everyone had their choice between vanilla cake with vanilla frosting, vanilla cake with chocolate frosting, or chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.  The bottom layer of the castle cake was vanilla and the top layer was chocolate.  Between all the layers of the castle cake was chocolate frosting.  The Rapunzel cake was just vanilla cake with vanilla frosting.  Everyone seemed to really enjoy the cakes.

Then it was time for presents.  Grace received all kinds of wonderful gifts from her friends.  But the sweetest thing was hearing Grace say, "Of course I will share my presents with you!"  We had a wonderful time at her birthday party this year.  The best thing, in my opinion, was letting the Little Gym set up, decorate, entertain all the kids, and then do all the cleaning up.  All I had to do was show up with Grace, the cake, and a few snack foods for everyone.  What an easy birthday party!  And Grace absolutely loved having all her school friends celebrate her 4th birthday with her.