We thought about having a nice, quiet birthday celebration for Braden, but somehow we ended up hosting a reptile-themed bash complete with a show presented by the Lizard Wizard. We appreciate all our wonderful family and friends that braved the heat and celebrated Braden's big day with us. We had a great time and hope everyone else did too!
We surprised Braden with the party, so he wasn't warned that there would be so many people and lots of live reptiles and amphibians at our house. He was a bit taken aback, but really enjoyed the festivities.
This was the furthest Addison and Braden were apart the whole day. They chased each other on the lawn and jumped in the bouncer after everyone else had gone home...so cute! They were listening intently to the Lizard Wizard's presentation, like good little students.
The crocodile slip n slide was quite a hit. Even the older kids, Kelsey, Keiley, and Drake, seemed to have fun!
Unsure if Adam's girlfriend, Kristin, enjoyed having this frog on her arm or if she was just trying to be as brave as the kids!
The girls at the party were just as brave as the older boys. Stella seemed to love this snake a bit more than her daddy liked the tarantula and exotic cockroach on his head!
This turtle took Braden for a little cruise.
Maybe Addison was admiring Braden's bravery as he let two frogs hang out on his arm? Obviously, she didn't see the expression of uncertainty on his face!
While some kids were enjoying hands-on education, Lance and Kenneth were wrestling alligators in the pool. 
Addison was putting on her moves while simultaneously learning all about snakes.
Braden stepped up his bravery by holding a snake that got tangled in his fingers.
Braden put on a happy face while the skink sang 'Happy Birthday' in his ear.
Watching the expressions on the kids' faces was almost as entertaining as actually watching the show!
Braden took the job of holding this 10' burmese python very seriously. He chose to be near the snake's face and slimy tongue. He said the snake felt like corn on the cob.
After all the kids touched and rode this turtle, he needed a bubble bath! They did a great job getting Tonka cleaned up!
Braden walked away in the middle of the show to run around with this frog mylar balloon. We could have spent $6 and he would have been happy!
Braden enjoyed everyone singing "Happy Birthday" to him. He had been singing it to himself for a few days prior to his birthday! He helped me decorate his snake cake and managed to avoid sticking his finger in it before it got cut.
A snake cake wouldn't be complete without rocky road ice cream topped with gummy frogs & worms, crushed Oreos, and chocolate syrup.
Braden chose to eat the snake head, complete with M&M eyes and Airhead candy tongue.
Uncle Billy and Aunt Maria could get jobs at Coldstone Creamery. They managed to dish out the dessert before it all melted in the very warm weather. Braden was displaying his toughest snake impression.
The kids all managed to get chocolate-covered faces. Hope that means they really enjoyed their treats!? Jett, Luke, Drew, and Sarah were a few of the many friends that came to the party.
Several of my cousins drove long distances to join in the birthday festivities. Braden loved hanging out with his new "cousins," Karissa, Emma, Marcos, Keira, Ali, and baby Moises.
The loads of sugar in the cake and ice cream sundaes just wasn't enough to make a 3rd birthday party complete. So, we had a frog and alligator pinatas stuffed with treats to top off the fiesta. Braden used all of his might to give this frog a few good whacks!
It's a good thing the pinata was huge because there were lots of kids desiring to show off their batting skills.
Braden managed to have massive amounts of energy at the end of the party. This may be attributed to the large amounts of sugar he consumed!
I thought we could save all the gifts until Christmas and then just "re-gift" them to Braden. Obviously, Braden had another idea! Thanks to everyone for your generosity. Braden loves his presents, but strangely enough, he enjoyed the cards just as much. He opened each one and pretended to read it. Then he set it aside and made sure none of them accidentally got tossed with the wrapping paper. A bit odd for a 3-year-old, but kind of cute!
