Rayleigh's Super Awesome Birthday Dance Party

I have been planning this party for so long and even though it was simple and low budget, it was awesome! Rayleigh LOVES to dance so what better way to throw a party than with her own Club de Ray!? We hung up black tarp in the garage and set up Tanner's sound equipment. I delegated the music portion of the party to Tanner and boy did he exceed every expectation! (as usual) He had a fog machine and laser lights! We had 3 different light machines casting amazing hues every which way and even a black light! I'd ordered glow stick in bulk from Amazon and the kids loved creating bracelets, necklaces, and other things with them. I had a box of old, packages Happy Meal toys and candy from past holidays that the kids went to town on! ha ha Sorry other moms, my trash is now your child's treasure! We ordered cheap pizza and donuts and have water and soda for a picnic lunch outside. It was hot but tolerable and everyone had a nice time! I planned the party for in between General Conference sessions on Saturday so that everyone could fuel up and get their wiggles out. We had a great turn out and I was happy my mom and dad, cami and her family, and even JOSI could come! Yay! Jon couldn't get out of some personal obligations and Kari didn't have her kids... But it was perfect and Rayleigh LOVED it and Jack slept the entire time. Winning!

In the morning I was able to listen to Conference on my phone while I was running around getting set up. Tanner took Parker to his soccer game and then to pick up balloons and such. But we were able to relax for the rest of the weekend and soak up all of the rest of conference. I just love conference weekend!

Max was a dancing machine!

Rayleigh single handedly cleaned up 300 glow sticks when the party was over. She must have some of her mother's clean up genes. She loves these wings from Auntie Cami!!!!

These 3 friends melt my heart. I love this trifecta!

We ordered Tanner this hilarious shirt from Amazon. He was DJ Tanner so he wore a shirt with DJ Tanner printed on it. ha ha!!!

Both Ben and Parker got braces this week!

I tried to take some pictures with my nice camera but Ray will not pose for me! Little stinker....

Shelllllyyyyyyyyy!!!! I'm so happy my cousin could come down from LA and help celebrate Rayleigh with me!!!! I love her so much and I'm looking forward to a "cousin's night out" soon!!!

Rayleigh busted through her presents so I'm not quite sure who gave her what... My mom got her some puzzles which she LOVES! And Cami got her these wings. She keeps asking me to help her fly- like the wings will enable her to really fly!!! So sweet. Someone gave her an awesome PlayDough set which kept her and Parker entertained all day Sunday while we watched Conference. She has such amazing friends!!!!!! So generous and kind!

She keeps running around singing "Let it Go!!!!!" and "Twinkle Twinkle". Oh, how I love having a daughter!

This was the best I could do at getting her to fly...

Rayleigh, not a day goes by that I thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me with you. You are so beautiful, inside and out, and I know He has big plans for you. You are adventurous and love to explore and so you have to learn to be obedient in all things but with the Lord on your side you will be able see the world and accomplish so many monumental things in your life. Stay close to the Lord, your family, and be a good friend always. Your bravery will serve you well through out your days on Earth. Always stand up for what it right and good and true. I love you, Your Dad loves you. Your brothers love you. Your grandparents love you. Your aunts and uncles and cousins and friends all love you. And your Father in Heaven loves you. We are all cheering you on and will stand by you through thick and thin!! Thank you for being such a Ray of light in our lives!!!!!