Sidney's 7th birthday: friend party

Sidney's 7th birthday celebration finally came to a conclusion this weekend when she had her "friend" birthday party at a local gymnastics location. She waited a long time before us parents could get our act together, find a free Saturday and line it up (sorry Sidney!). When your birthday falls within 10 days of the start of a new school year, it's a little more complicated to schedule a birthday party. 

Lucky for big sis, she let her (and a friend) tag along for the afternoon. It was a lot of jumping, running, flipping and flopping. Since her party time ran the same as Lincoln's nap, I flew solo for the bulk of the party. I didn't mind running around the gym snapping action shots of the kids. 

I had to giggle at the relay race area when the coach paired up the two sisters against each other and Sidney left Regan in her dust! She bolted right past her, used some excellent technique with her jump into the pit (not too far so she could hustle back out) and then raced back, all the while despite being on the more difficult red side of the track! 

And then later, when coach offered Sidney (and 2 friends) to sit inside the deflated bounce house while it inflated (how fun!), proud mama tears welled in my eyes when the first friend she picked was her big sister! Out of all her friends, she didn't bat an eye as to who she wanted to pick first. 

The best part about having your birthday at this specific gymnastics location is that you get to do THIS. 

Sidney talked about this part of her party for weeks ahead of time. She was so excited and told coach to get her super high and there was no fear of heights for her. 

High up into the sky she went! Soaring above her friends as they sang happy birthday to her while she went for a quick swing: back and forth, with a big smile stretched across her face! 

The kids got to enjoy part of the party with free play. I loved watching all of the kids tumble and jump through their play, laughing and smiling and having a great time.
Sidney always loves the beam so she spent some of her time pacing and perfecting a few moves. 

Although Regan hasn't been in gymnastics in at least a year, she started doing cartwheels off the diving board this summer and translated that into the beam. To say I was impressed in an understatement. All of the rest of the girls were much too nervous to attempt such a move, but she climbed right up and dismounted with a cartwheel. 

Way to go Regan! 

After play time ended, it was time for cake and presents. Sidney was in pure little girl heaven surrounded by her friends who came to celebrate her big day. We are so thankful for their friendship and so happy that she finally had her celebration! 

Happy 7th Birthday sweet Sidney!