Birthday party with cousins, Mema, and Papa

Mom and Papa brought some cousins up here to celebrate Julia's birthday (a HUGE thank you!!!!!). All the cousins simply couldn't get enough of each other and the energy buzzing in the house was incredible. Man, we miss everyone! Jacob was flying on cloud nine to be playing with Ben again. We knew there was a good chance of him coming today--Hannah was a complete, and most welcome, surprise. :)


Julia wanted to play the classic game of pin the tail on the donkey. The kids all lined up and took their turns being blindfolded, spun around til almost dizzy, and trying to pin their tail in the right spot. (no pix of them actually doing it since my hands were busy spinning them). :)



Julia is NOT a fan of cake. Or perhaps frosting is the real culprit. Well, whichever it is, she doesn't like having a real cake for her birthday (she wouldn't even bring cupcakes for her class--she brought cookies). So the past few years I've been making her my (and hers) all time favorite oreo ice cream cake....yumm-o!



To the Grandon's--the absolute perfect gift! I think she's actually SLEEPING with that book tonight.....




Julia and her stuffed animals--there's no such thing as too many. I think she regards them as I do my books--each one is unique and special and there's no such thing as getting tired or bored with them.



Mema found this absolutely gorgeous Sunday outfit for Julia. She adores it "Now I'll look just like Mommy!". Mema, thank you soooooo much!


Thanks again to Mom and Papa for going out of your way to celebrate Julia's special day. We had so much fun and more than anything, we love having you in our home. Miss you...