Nate's Party

Alternately titled: Why I Will Never Throw a Home Party Again

A few months ago we won a Laser Tag party package as a charity event.  We might have won solely based on the fact that Nate checked the auction sheet every 5 minutes begging to win it for his birthday party.  Well we won!!  And I can honestly say it was the best birthday party ever.  Usually I have them at home and I love decorating and coming up with fun theme related games.  Now that I've experienced one outside of the house I don't know if I can ever go back!!

With a little help from our amazing friend Mike, we got all 10 boys (plus Ellie) to Stratum in one piece. 

For a few minutes I thought we were going to get kicked out.  They were bouncing off the walls and started chanting, "LA.SER.TAG.LA.SER.TAG," at one point.  But finally the game started and off they went.  I sat down with not a care in the world and texted/FBed/Instagramed. . . basically lazied my butt off for 20 minutes.  They came out all excited and pumped and then I sent them off for another 20 minutes of silence.  And by silence, I mean I could the pounding of feet overhead, the obnoxious music they play at laser tag joints, and the boys all flirting with the only girl who worked there.  Seriously girls -- need a job?  Apply at a laser tag place.

And guess who the big winner was for the last game. . . my husband! 

In their defense I made them play.  Everyone had so much fun -- even Ellie is begging for a laser tag birthday party now.

After an hour we headed home for presents, cake and ice cream at the park.  Nate has some really great friends, but a few of them are near and dear to my heart.

Daven has been Nate's best friend as long as I can remember and they're still great friends despite not seeing each other as much anymore and the Bryners being Utes fans.

Brody has been our neighbor since we moved into our house and gets mad props for being one of Nate's only friends who is taller than him.  I am so glad Nate always has someone to play with.  On the way to laser tag all the boys were talking about who had known Nate longer and Brody said, "I've known Nate since we were babies.  We're growing up together."

Travis is Nate's best friend from school and I couldn't ask for a sweeter, nicer kid.  They are both such tender hearts and kind boys.  I always tell my kids they don't need a million friends, they only need one if it's a good one.  He is lucky to be surrounded by so many.