King of the Jungle

Hudson's birthday party was a HIT! He had such a wonderful time, and so did all of his friends. This year, his birthday was so much fun because he knew that the whole day was for him. It was precious watching him run around playing and greeting his friends when they arrived. His friends who came to his party were:

Chase
Tyler
Jaxon
Joshua
Kelsey
Trevor
Megan
Mia
Stella
Newt
Aubrey

Once everyone arrived, the safari guide began the party with a parade through the safari park with Hudson as the leader. Everyone shook their maracas and chanted "Happy Birthday, Hudson!" This was just the beginning of making him feel special!

After the parade, the safari guide loaded all the kids on the train to let them ride around, while she spoke about the animals. Towards the end of the train ride, she had everyone yell "Happy Birthday, Hudson!" again.

Then the safari guide led the kids to an area where they could ride motorized animals. Some of the kids, including Hudson, were scared of this activity and didn't want to participate, but the ones who did had a good time. We were able to coax Hudson into riding the zebra for a short minute before he was ready to get off.

Next was the kid's favorite part... free play time! They had a play area complete with balls, slides, a trampoline, and even minature golf for who was interested. Of course, Hudson played with the golf clubs some, which I expected because this is one of his favorite things to do at home (and he's getting pretty good at hitting the ball off the tee). He also enjoyed the balls and trampoline, but his favorite thing was the slide.

After some play time, everyone gathered back at our hut for some cake. We gave all the kids animal hats to wear at this time, which was a hit. Hudson had a crown because he was King of the Jungle, but he refused to wear it! We tried several times during the party to put it on him, but he wanted nothing to do with it! There was NO WAY I was going to get him to wear it during his birthday song! Oh my goodness...Hudson was PRECIOUS during his birthday song! He started clapping while everyone was singing to him, so everyone begain clapping along with him. Then he yelled "Yay!" when everyone was finished. He thought it was so COOL to have everyone sing to him. That was definitely one of our favorite moments of the whole party! Immediately after we finished singing, Jaxon who was standing right next to the cake leaned over and blew the candles out... This was too funny! He was helping Huds out! Everyone, including Hudson, really enjoyed his delicious lion cake!

After the cake and refreshments, the safari guide took the kids on another train ride. This time Hudson rode with Daddy. At the end of the train ride after everyone yelled "Happy Birthday, Hudson" again, he threw his arms in the air yelling "YAY!"! This was another of our favorite highlights of the party! Everyone laughed because it was TOO CUTE!

After the second train ride, the kids had more free play time to run around and have fun!

I totally forgot to take pictures of the cake and tables before the party started... We didn't get there as early as we had hoped, so I was rushing to get everything ready before everyone arrived, and completely forgot! I did manage to get some pics of Huds before his guests arrived though! I also remembered to take a picture of the cake only after it had been cut into. Each table placesetting for the kids had a different safari animal hat, along with an animal straw cup filled with bubbles, fruit snacks, animal tattoos and a light-up bouncy ball. Also when everyone left, each of Hudson's friends got a crayon roll and notepad thanking them from Hudson.

All in all, everything went smoothly, and most importantly, Hudson had a BLAST knowing he was the birthday boy!

Hudson wanted to wear his new cape at the beginning of the party. Thanks Leah!

Playing before his guests arrive The party guests arriving...
About to lead the parade through the safari
Riding the train with Kelsey and Mommy
Papa, Megan and Lucas enjoying the party
Waiting to ride the safari animalsNewt riding the zebra
Josh riding the elephant Kelsey looking cute in the safari hat!
Hudson riding the zebra for a minute
He's kinda scared of this!
Jax and the Safari Guide
Aunt Lynne and Mia
Playing!
Watching Huds go down the slide.
Daddy and Uncle Justin playing with the birthday boy.
Uncle Justin and Huds
One of Hudson's favorite things to do at the party...
Kels and Huds playing
Daddy pushing Huds down the big slide.
Trying out the miniture golf
I think you whiffed the ball Hudson!
Clapping during his birthday song
Everyone else joined in!
PRICELESS!
YAY!
Jaxon blew out my candles!
Should I lick the frosting off this candle?
Josh wearing his giraffe hat with his grandpa and Mommy
Kelsey wearing her zebra hat hanging out with her Daddy, Mommy and Trevor
This cake is YUMMY!
Mommy forgot to get a pic of the cake before, but here's most of it! Below the lion it said "Happy 2nd Birthday Hudson"
Opa and Luke
Riding the train with Daddy.
This is when everyone yelled "Happy Birthday Hudson!" He LOVED it!
Playing on the trampoline
The boys and their grandparents
The Fam
I'm ready to go home, Mommy! I had a BLAST!
Mommy and Hudson after a fun and busy day!
Daddy and his buddy!
Daddy and Hudson opening all of his fun gifts!
Someone is getting sleepy...
...but not too tired to play with his new toys for a few minutes!
This is the only split second we could get Hudson to wear his hat... Notice he's not happy about it!
The crown for The King of the Jungle! He will probably enjoy dressing up with this and his new cape!
A few of the hats and party favors
The crayon roll Hudson gave his friends.