Our 3rd Annual Backyard Bash

On Wednesday we hosted our annual "Braden & Ethan's Backyard Bash" full of kids and chaos all for a good cause. :) Each year we pick a different charity for our kids to collect items for. This year we collected backpacks and food for the organization Blessings in a Backpack. This organization provides children in schools that are on free or reduced lunches with a backpack full of food each Friday for the school year. This way those kids are guaranteed to have something to eat other than the food provided at school. We collected several backpacks, tons of food and we still have friends dropping off donations. WOW! I get to take it all to the collection site in Louisville next week where it will be distributed to kids in the New Albany schools. How awesome is that? I just love that our kiddos are learning about giving to others and helping those that are less fortunate than us. :)

It was a perfect evening! We had awesome weather...maybe a little hot but that's what all the water is for. Nobody got hurt (which is always my fear) and I think all the kids had a great time! Thank you so much to everyone that could make it and/or provide a donation. You are awesome! Also a big shout out to Greg at "Jump 4 joy bouncers" in Georgetown who always donates one of our two bouncers for our party to support the charity. :) Also, thank you to Chris' mom and aunt for your grilling help and cleaning up. Love you guys! Enough of that...here are some pics! I took tons more so I'll send those out on shutterfly soon.

My boys putting their food in the buckets and hanging their backpacks on the fence.

Braden gets in bounce time before partygoers arrive

This waterslide is always a big hit.

Jace hangs his donation

This year we added face painting to the party. We used one of Chris' former students which worked out well. :)

Ava & Ethan weren't ready for the slides but enjoyed splashing in the puddles

Braden likes to go down anyway that is not the standard way. :)

Amber and her crew drop off their donations

Some cutie pies enjoying a dip in the pool

Carson loved the water slides and spent most of his time over there. :)

Braden and the neighbors enjoying some popcorn and lemonade

Ethan couldn't get enough of the pink lemonade...and using a cup by himself!

Yummy-hotdogs and cheese balls....very nutritious (ha) I meant very kid friendly. :)

Of course there were a few baby girls for me to oooh and awww over. Baby Nora took a quick snooze while looking all cute!

Check it out!! Lots of backpacks and food for little ones to enjoy when school begins!!

Yahoo for popsicles!

Thank you, thank you for your donations! I am so proud of us!