Organized chaos

Gabriel is turning 4 on Saturday. Since we will be in California that day, we decided to have his birthday party early. We also decided that we would have all his friends over and no parents! At the beginning, the idea seemed a little crazy to Mike, but the more he thought about it, he agreed that it would be fun to make it extrictly about the kids.

During planning I was not weary at all but as they started arriving and their parents leaving, I must admit I got a little nervous.... as it turns out, it was the most fun we have had in a long time, no joke!

Here are a few snapshots of how it all came down:

Gabriel and Doménica stuff the piñata

While preparing for the party we talked a lot about what to expect, who was coming, what would happen and of course we talked about presents. I introduced to Gabriel the idea of giving up receiving presents and instead collecting something to give away. I have done work with the Phoenix Rescue Mission before and I knew of their back-to-school back-pack challenge, so we decided to participate in that. I was so impressed with Gabriel's openness to it and with his excitement about giving to someone in need. Below, Gabriel with the back packs donated by his friends:

(thanks Amy for the lovely boots! )

Yesterday we drove to the Mission. On our way there, Gabriel was so excited to bring the packsthat whenever we hit a red-light, he would say - com'on mami, go. I really wanna get there.

(unloading the packs at the Mission)

We are working on teaching him what Paul meant when he told Timothy to command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share (1 Tim 6:18).

He received presents as well and below you can see him with his new green bike, he named it "grasshopper". He loves the colour green!

To view a complete slide show of the party fun, click below!

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