An Olympic Birthday

Candace had a really fun birthday celebration. On her birthday we went to Olive Garden and she got a camera from us and her grandparents. She loves it. She is continually taking pictures and having me upload them to her blog. So check out her blog when you get the chance. The url is:

http://candacenicoletaylor.blogspot.com

Then today we had an Olympic themed birthday party for her, her brothers and a few friends. They had a lot of fun. We had Opening Ceremonies where we designed and painted our own flags. Then we had the Procession of Athletes where they followed Candace (who carried the Olympic torch, of course) around the house and down a few houses. We had several Olympic events including the balloon smash, shooting hoops, three-legged race and water balloon toss. Unfortunately the grass popped most of the balloons intended for the balloon smash before the kids could get to them, but they still had a great time. The water balloon toss disintegrated quickly into an all-out water balloon war. Then we let the kids run through the sprinklers. It was the "hottest day of the year" and the kids really enjoyed the water activities. We opened presents and ate cake and ice cream and then we had the Closing Ceremonies complete with a presentation of Olympic medals. 

Here they are painting their flags. Candace's flag has the letters KCL on it (Kid Can Live). 

Seven years old! That's a lot of candles. Candace wanted a swimming pool cake.

Tasty tasty cake and ice cream. 

Here are some more detailed pictures of the cake. It was a lot of fun to make. The candy legos made up the outside. Then I frosted a chocolate cake with blue (water) frosting. The lane dividers were made with candy necklaces. The people were made from dum-dums, peach rings and licorice. The person in front is in an inner tube. The next person back is supposed to be swimming. The there is someone trying to climb out of the ladder. The last person is supposed to be playing in the water, but Levi insists that he's drowning. Then the masterpiece of the diving board, made with licorice and an airhead. I put the airhead in the freezer until right before we set the cake out, because it held it's shape much better. 

Look at how awesome the legos looked. It was a lot of fun to make. And notice the water. It looks so real! :)

One last look at the really realistic swimmer.

Candace modeling her Olympic medal. You can also see her awesome flag in the background (Kids Can Live).