Happy Early Birthday, Kate!

Kate's actual birthday is exactly one month from today, but with it being around the holidays, they decided to have her party today at Build-a-Bear. Of course, today was much more convenient for me considering I'll be caring for a newborn in a month, so I was thrilled with the early celebration! Here is Jack with the Jostes girls before the party began.

While we waited for all the guests to arrive, the kids got to color a "Happy Birthday" banner for Kate.
When everyone was there, the party host sat down to explain the process to everyone and pass out nametags.
Next the kids got to pick out an animal and Jack decided on a turkey.

With my encouragement (because it was taking him FOREVER), he named the turkey Thomas. I love to hear him say Thomas (the train) and I swear I halfway considered Thomas a name for the baby because of this.

Each child got to pick out 2 hearts, one to kiss and hug and put in Kate's chosen animal and one for their own.

Kate got to stuff her animal first and then she chose Jack to go next. Here he is pushing the pedal and then with the stuffed bird.

Next we had to wash Thomas.

And dress him.

Jack chose a fireman outfit for his turkey, which is funny for 2 reasons. First of all, Jack constantly reminds us that he "no likes firemen". This all started when the firemen visited his school with their truck. Second of all, it's a Todd/Jostes Thanksgiving tradition to fry a turkey for Thanksgiving and the first year we did it we were terrified the boys were going to burn the house down. We actually have a picture of Travis dropping the turkey into the fryer and Craig standing beside him with an extinguisher.

That was the last picture we got of Jack with the bird. Once he was dressed, he decided he "no liked" him. He picked him back up at home, but for the rest of the party, Travis had to carry him around.

Before the party ended, the kids all got together for a group picture and to sing to Kate. It was a great party!