can't top this "big top"

Our entire family attended a birthday party yesterday afternoon that was unbelievable!!! It was a circus theme party for Luke and Wyatt, twin boys in Berkley's preschool class... their fifth birthday I might add. (As soon as we arrived, Matt asked me what I thought these guys would have for their 16th birthday!!! You will soon understand why.) Truly, I have never seen a birthday party quite like this one. In fact, I have not been to the circus for quite sometime, but I would bet this party came pretty close to topping one. Especially a circus that comes to Abilene!!

At first Berkley and I were going to go to the party by ourselves and leave the boys at home. The party began at 2:00, which is naptime for everyone. For some reason at the last minute I remembered that Luke and Wyatt's mom had invited all of us to the party. Berkley and I had been to their birthday party last year... which was very impressive, so I told Matt that we should all go. I knew the boys would have fun too, and it would give us a chance to have some fun as a family. (Especially since Matt has been working so hard lately!) I never imagined ALL of us would have SO MUCH FUN!!!

As soon as we drove up and spotted the huge tent in their front yard, we knew we were in for a treat. Matt quickly spotted the camels hanging out in the front yard as well. Definitely something you don't see everyday! As we walked up to the tent our faces were simply in amazement. This "big top" was full of any kid's dream. There was a popcorn machine, snow cone machine, and a cotton candy machine. Of course, their were also hot dogs and big, giant pickles. Matt and I looked at each other and just laughed in amazement. (So Berkley's carnival birthday party might not have been quite this good!)

Berkley's friends quickly spotted her and ran up to her with excitement all over their faces... along with amazing "artwork." They had just visited one of the clowns who was face painting. This wasn't your average balloon bouquet, heart, or butterfly kind of stuff either. They looked like they were about to march in a Mardi Gras parade! Berkley quickly ran off with them to get her face painted as well.

Of course, she had to grab a quick snow cone too while she waited in line. How is this for some face painting?

Berkley wanted a butterfly just like her friend, Annabelle. (They already had on the same shirts, it only made sense to have matching art on their face!)
Meanwhile, Beckham and Brenner spotted the camels and were in absolute amazement. Matt took the boys over to check them out. Beckham took a ride on one and LOVED it. Unfortunately, the camera and I were with Berkley getting her face painted, so I missed my photo opportunity. Berkley and I did head on over to see the camels when we finished. She wanted to ride too. (I mean, are you kidding? Who gets to ride a camel at a birthday party?)

I do have to say, the camels did look quite friendly. He almost looked like he was calling us on over.
Surprisingly, Berkley did not hesitate at all. She was all smiles and ready for a ride.

What are the neighbors thinking as they see this passing in front of their house? (And are they questioning the camel more or the strange man leading it?)

Although I missed Beckham's ride up on the camel, I did get a great picture of him checking the camel out. In fact, the camel quickly became interested in Beckham's big box of popcorn. The "camel man" quickly escorted him back over to the line.

While one of the camels rested, Brenner and Daddy got a chance to check him out closer.

Brenner was interested, but didn't want to pet him.

Since Brenner was a little too tiny to ride the camel, he found something a little more his speed.

He was pretty serious for the majority of his ride, but I think he enjoyed it.There was also a petting zoo set up for the party. Beckham really liked this.
He really wanted to pick up one of the babies, but they seemed to always get away!

Hobo, the monkey was a big hit too.

I found out that he will soon be famous. He is scheduled to perform in a Barney video.

The party ended with a magic show performed by one of the clowns under the tent. All of the kids gathered to watch in amazement.
Maggie the clown was actually very entertaining. Her show was at least 30 minutes, but she kept the children's attention quite well.
She ended her show performing as a ventriloquist. She was actually really good and really funny.
She got Beckham laughing... no doubt about it!Brenner wasn't very impressed. He found something much more entertaining during the show.Yes...fresh popped popcorn! Could it get any better? Only when you have the box ALL TO YOURSELF!
We ended up being at the party much longer than we had anticipated. We didn't have a clue what was in store for us. Obviously, no one got a nap yesterday... but it was totally worth it. We all had so much fun and truly felt like we had been at the circus. Thanks so much to Luke and Wyatt for inviting us all to celebrate such a fun day with them. Now we just have to make sure we get invited again next year!!!