An In"tents" Birthday Shindig

A month or so ago, an idea started a brewin'.

It had come to our, my friends and my own, attention, that several of us had birthdays coming up. We decided that this was reason enough to throw a big combined themed birthday party! So we got to brainstorming...thinking....thinking...thiiiinkking.

It finally came to us.

We were going to have ourselves a camping birthday party. Why?

Why the heck not.

Also, for some reason, the camping theme kept getting thrown around with a hobo theme?
I don't even know. 

So, if you drove by my house last Saturday night, it might have looked something like this:

And let's not forget about the delicious camping-esque food we feast on. Homemade chili, made by me and Karla, cornbread made by Shelby, bottled sodas, a scrumptious berry cake, and S'mores. Natrually.

And what's a good party without a photo booth??

Check out Shelby's lovely mane of hair.

The birthday people.

Again, just a bunch of kids excited to be turning 21...and 22.

Red-neck prom photo.

Photo bomb success.

Again. Success.

Charlie's Angels? More like Charlie's...uh...Buckaroo's?

Ummm.

Yeah. I don't know either.

A few of my very favorite people.

And that's what I call a jumping masterpiece.

All the party people in flannel shirts! (minus a few who came later)

Sometimes we try to fit in a canoe.

Just precious.

Mason wanted a picture. Of just him. Alone.

Awwwww.

The evening was full of S'more makin', friendly conversation around the campfire, birthday memories and tributes, and even a song writing contest. I'll say, I was quite impressed with what everyone came up with. And like any good birthday party, candles ( sparklers in this case ) were lit, birthday songs were sung, and wishes were made.

And then someone suggested we all take a bite out of the cake??

And for some reason we listened.

New tradition?

I think so.

Like with most of our ideas, I'd say this party turned out better than we had imagined. I'm always amazed at what a little Goodwill shopping, some good food, and a few brilliant minds can produce. A special thanks to everyone who helped set up, brought food, and let us borrow their random camping gear. And of course thanks to all the party animals that made it quite the birthday adventure.

my sweet someteenth birthday.

Once upon a time I had a magical 20th birthday.

Let me tell you how it went down.

The night before, I stuffed my face with some Olive Garden, courtesy of Auntie Christy and had a most fabulous time with her and Karla. The food was especially delicious and we couldn't get over how much the waiter looked like our buddy Caleb Mckay.

It was freaky, let me tell you.

 On the morning of my blessed birthday, I awoke to my mom and sisters barging into my house and showering me with birthday crowns and beads. They then ordered me to get ready. 

We ventured off to Crackers where we basically had dessert for breakfast. I'm telling you, these crepes were TO DIE FOR.

They even gave me a gigantuous brownie with candles in it, which we devoured in a number of seconds.

I then spent the afternoon in search of free food and thrift store goodies with my sister. And there must have been some magic in the air that day cause this is what I stumbled upon...

...unicorn bookends. 

Could have called the day good right there.

But we proceeded to stuff our faces at Joe's BBQ and party it up with Miss Annamarie.

And naturally we went across the street to Liberty Market to snag ourselves some free desserts...red velvet cake...giant cookie ice cream sandwiches...OM.NOM.NOM.

Oh and we played in the bathrooms?

Then to my surprise, these lovely ladies took me to Paradise Bakery for dinner!

AND upon arriving home, they had put together the nicest most hilarious video just for me as well as my very own dance party.

 Best friends in the world?

I think so.

Sunday I got to celebrate more with my family, complete with my favorite dinner and a cake decorated by my cousin Johnny.

'Twas a birthday filled with family, friends, and LOTS, I repeat, LOTS of scrumptious food. Sounds like the perfect birthday to me, don't you think?