8 is Great!

 So Porter also had a birthday last year! I know. shocking right? What is shocking is that I'm still just getting to it on the blog. Anyway, my amazing little firstborn is now 8 years old! AACK! 

I seem to be able to handle the birthdays of my other kids a little bit easier (but not much), but for some reason, every single birthday Porter has it completely throws me! I can't believe he is that much older every time. My baby is truly growing up. I think it is in my mind, I can't possibly have a child who is already 8 years old can I? Him being the oldest is par for the course I guess. 

As this was the first real year that he was in the same country as most of his friends from school 

(no offense to his 7th birthday full of lifelong friends and cousins),  he was begging, planning and talking about his birthday party for months prior.  He attended others parties all year long and couldn't wait for his turn! We ended up doing his party about a month before his birthday, however, since many of his friends would be leaving just before. We kind of turned it into his B-day/ going away party for everyone. One last hurrah for end of the school year with all his buddies. 

We decided (rather he insisted) that he wanted a Laser Tag party, 

with Skylander cupcakes. 

Done and done. 

After the success of his 7th party at the bowling alley, I decided that giving someone else the reigns with in weeks of a packout is definitely the way to go! 

I whipped up some awesome cupcake toppers if I do say so myself, and threw together some cute gift bags, then let the "game master" take it from there! 

Besides, 10 little boys is definitely a kind of chaos that is best contained in a laser tag arena!

That much was clear to me! 

Such little angels!

Oh wait...

 Cute boys of mine.

blowing out 8 candles!

Opening presents!

And of course, we need a great big birthday group hug!!!

He was so lucky this year to have such a great little group of friends to play with all year. 

Truly blessed. He misses these guys like crazy now that we are in Japan. 

 Happy Birthday Porter! You are such a fantastic, loveable, smart and talented little boy. We are so proud of you and the great example you are to us! Love you!