Party Girl

We've attended lots of birthday parties lately. Girl parties, boy parties, jumpy-lands, princesses and footballs galore. And I was surprised to find that I take very few pictures when provided with many small children running amok.

Queen of icing.

















Good luck with that group shot, Mom.


















She just had her nails done and even though she is jumping, she is carefully holding her fingers out. The girl has her priorities right. And that pink boa was mutilated, pink feathers everywhere.


















I love my baby getting a little alone time while the big kids are gorging themselves on candy.

What birthday parties...

Do to us.

Shoes

Anna Fair was following me around the house today, chattering away. And as any good mother, I was largely ignoring her. But when we wondered into her room, she stood at the foot of her bed (where we left her shoes), pointing and more frantically calling, "shoooes, shooooes" I finally listened. I asked, "Would you like your shoes on?" And she responded with her so sweet, "yesh" and plopped down and presented me with sweet little feet. It's a good thing she didn't ask for money, I am pretty sure I would have given it to her.

Fancy, Fancy

Best Cousin, Meg, stopped by Sunday night with Laurie's birthday present. Princess jewelry: bracelets, crown, earrings, necklace, and ring. On first sight, I thought, she'll never wear those earrings! And boy did she prove me wrong, she donned all her jewelry and demanded to wear her princess dress. When I checked on her later, she was in bed, sound asleep, still wearing every bit. I carefully removed all her accessories, but when I got up in the morn, I found her back in all her garb. What a funny princess she is. Thank you, Cousin Meg!

Day at the Children's Museum

Today, we made our second trip to the Children's Museum. We've tried to go other days, but the crowds deterred us. Here's a secret, and don't tell anyone, Tuesdays after lunch, the place is empty!

We packed a sack lunch and met 8 sweet little friends. I had such lofty dreams of the precious little ones playing together while the mamas chatted. Yeah, it didn't happen. Once we entered, every child went their separate way and we never saw them again. At one point, I thought, "did they all leave and not say goodbye?!!?" But we had a great time, did it all and only lost Laurie once. We swam in the Mississippi, raced cars, built a house, played underground, explored Mississippi, dressed up, shopped at the grocery, cooked in the kitchen and got digested. What a busy day! We did run into other dear friends while we were there and did finally meet back up with all our buddies. But once my girls started whining, I knew it was time to pack it up and head home. It's now 5pm and our little people are still sacked out. Even Momma enjoyed some down time.

Josie has a friend.

Her name is Peppito. Oh, wait, Laurie said it is her brother.

Laurie Turned Three Today!

Yesterday, I had a two year old. I was tickled when we went to the Natural Science Museum, we were able to say we still have 2 kids for the "under three get in free". Today, we were excited to wake Laurie up to announce that it was finally her day. She is officially three years old! My...that does sound old... Laurie seemed a little confused, as she has already had her party, and what's a birthday without a party? But throw in some presents and it's all good.

I found my old doll house while rummaging through my parent's basement. A little paint and some new paper and it looks as good as new. I even dug up some of my old doll house accessories. Laurie and Anna Fair are thrilled with their new things. You can see from the pictures that Laurie likes everyone to take lots of naps.

It's a Zoo in Here!

Laurie is turning three on Sunday, we hosted all her friends at our house Friday. When she awoke, the house had been transformed and she wailed all morning wondering when her friends would arrive and her party begin.

It was such a fun day, lots of chaos, lots of laughter, lots of mess! We decided on a zoo themed party, with a few animal party games. First up, coloring a lion and decorating treat bags. I noticed very little coloring and no decorating. Next, Duck Pond: pick a duck, get a prize; easy right? I noticed all the ducks disappeared from the duck pond. Then, Ring of Fire, throw an animal through the ring, get a prize. It worked better, especially when the players stood right at the box and handed the animal through. Good stuff. Finally, take a ride on our favorite pony, Mo Glo. We love Mo Glo, she is the sweetest pony. The less adventurous crowd took a ride on Bebe's lifesize tiger or practiced punching the blow up horse.

Pandemonium ensued, cupcakes consumed and all left with full treat bags. I guess I underestimated the under 3 crowd's ability to play games, but I am a roll with the punches kind of gal and was happy to watch them play with the swing set or cook in the kitchen. Laurie had a blast and that was all I wanted.

The day ended with a play date at Aunt Fair's house while Will and I went out to dinner. I had first thought we would be to tired to go out, but when evening came, I was so glad to not tend to any short people and Will and I had a great time toasting a successful and, most importantly, over day!

Mine, all mine

While the cat is away, the mouse plays with all the dolls & toys & wears all the jewelry. 

This is what you come home looking like if you get your britches dirty in the nursery.

Who Needs 3 Men?

When you have 2 sisters and a cousin in your bathtub?



















Anna Fair is so pleased to have someone to steal toys from.


















Seriously, girls, could you let the boy have 1 toy?



















Can we point out how shocked he looks to have so much company during his bath time?

Squished

It took many attempts to find the right formula to squeeze them both into the Cozy Coupe. It did not last long and did not look comfortable. If I knew anything, I would have bought the two-seater. With Laurie around, Anna Fair isn't getting much coupe time.