"When it's over, I want to say all my life I was a bride married to amazement. I was the bridegroom taking the world into my arms." -Mary Oliver

Birthday Part Two

This week we had Avery's birthday party at our house. I set everything up out on our back deck which was the perfect party spot except the morning was very chilly! She invited nine friends, the perfect party size. I must say, preschoolers are very fun to entertain AND very entertaining themselves. Three favorite mom friends stayed (of their own accord) and were a huge help as well with the party.

Her party was a "Breakfast with the Birds"-themed affair so the kids arrived to pancakes, bacon and fruit for a snack before they painted birdhouses and we went on a walk to try and find birds. Few were around save the hummingbirds that visited the feeder twice, which was very exciting!! There was also some sort of wren-like bird telling us lots of stories from a backyard bush. After our neighborhood jaunt we enjoyed chocolate cupcakes topped with no-bake nests containing jelly-bean eggs and then Avery opened gifts. They gave Avery such great gifts. She's a lucky girl!
She had such a great time.

Happy Birthday to My Baby!

Well, she went and did it. Avery turned FIVE!

To commemorate her birthday at preschool, Avery decorated her birthday crown and got lifted into the air five times to celebrate her new age as the class sang. Good times!

On her actual birthday, April 11th, we had a grand day. Julia had the brilliant idea that for her gift to her sister she would make her a special surprise birthday, complete with a huge bag of M&Ms. It was the sweetest thing to witness, both her preparing her sister's meal (she's been big on doing things herself in the kitchen these days) and then the joy on both their faces as the meal/M&Ms were revealed.

We took the Max to the zoo. Would you believe we've never taken the Max anywhere as a family? It was a great adventure, one we're sold on, and must do again soon.

At the zoo we had some sunshine and ate a picnic lunch. One elephant gave us quite a show with his hour long pee and then the ones outside were, as Julia said, "Dancing." The new exhibit with the lions is very cool. All in all a nice afternoon.


Later we did a family party with presents, pizza and cake. To end the night, a special guest came and read the girls their bedtime stories..... It's teacher Penny!This bedtime story was a special privledge we'd purchased at the preschool auction this year that we decided to cash in on on Avery's birthday, though it was really for both girls. It was a fun surprise and way to end the day!

The UN-FUN stuff about turning five are things like shots and such, which happened today (PHEW!OVER!) She was so different than her sister. There was no flinching or physical resistence, just serious tears of agony. Did I mention I'm glad those are OVER? Though definitely not as glad as she is, I'm certain.
Okay five, here we go!