Birthday week: Parts 1-4

Part 1 -

Birthday week started the Friday before Megan's birthday. She invited 9 friends to come for an afternoon of puppy fun (8 came). That morning we were finishing last minute preparations and she kept saying, "This is going to be the best party ever!" That is when all of the work doesn't matter, because I know she is just so happy. Here's the cake. It wasn't too hard, and I think it turned out OK.

Megan with her puppy ears by the bean bag toss game. This was another big hit with her.

Here is the whole group after our "Pin the tag on the collar" game. They were so cute to watch and loved all of the funny places that the tags ended up.

Megan opened many wonderful presents and oohed and aahed with each one. It was so fun to watch the kids get so excited about giving a present and Megan was very specific about what she loved about each gift. When the bubble container was green she said, "Did you know green is my favorite color?" For a coloring book, "It's Rapunzel! I saw the movie Tangled and I love it." When she opened a t-shirt with a horse on it she squealed and said, "I love horses so much!" [Incidentally, the little girl who brought her the shirt was at the store when I bought the present from Mom and Dad for Megan (a horse) and we talked for a bit. I think it is neat she remembered.] It was just so cute. All of it.

Here's Meg when we sang to her. She was thrilled. And she did a great job blowing out the candles.

Part 2 -

Megan's actual birthday began with sharing cookies at preschool, and a doughnut at the Cougareat with Mom before riding the bus home. Megan also chose hot dogs for dinner. We added olives and green punch because she loves those things too.

Part 3 -

Liz had a great birthday. She woke up to find the book "Happy Birthday Molly" on her dresser. I wanted her to have a surprise on her actual birthday. She chose mozzarella cheese sticks for her birthday. We made them and they were so good! We had them with pizza and they were a hit. Thanks for the great request Liz!

Part 4 -

Our annual Chantry March birthday party was a hit. Jen's Grandma and Grandpa Call, and Grandma Houghton, Brian's parents and two of his brothers (with their wives and one little one each) were all there. It was fun to see everyone and the girls were so excited for everything.

Megan was up first and started with opening cards.

Then a bag full of goodies from Grandma and Grandpa Chantry.

Inside was a cute bag full of art supplies. Markers, crayons, paper, stencils, stickers . . .

Putting it all to good use right away.

Now presents from Mom and Dad. First a cute pillow and window valence for her room.

And a CD player (so Liz can have hers back.)

Here she is with her fun stuff for her room (and horse wall stickers from Chantrys. Those are a hit too!)

Then it was Liz's turn and she was more than ready.

She was also thrilled with the bag of art supplies from Grandma and Grandpa Chantry. This girl cannot get enough paper.

She was also very surprised with a new comforter and sheets from Mom and Dad.

Here she is showing off her new bedding. So cute. She is also wearing the pants and jacket set that mom saw and couldn't leave at the store. They will be for Halloween this year too when she wears mom's first leotard from when she was 10.Liz also loved her Molly sleeping bag that mom made. And Molly slept so well.

Cake time: Liz wanted a fairy cake. This is what mom came up with.

Liz waiting while we sang.

Blowing out the candles: This is getting harder and harder.

Lest you think that Brian and I forgot about our birthdays, we didn't. Brian surprised me with some knitting supplies (I have been wanting to learn) and this

I am so excited. I can't believe how he spoiled me.

I surprised his with a new Britta pitcher so our water can taste nice and fresh.

And we chose Cafe Rio for our birthday dinner. :-) (Thanks for te gift card Don and Sue!)

We also received a new game from Jen's mom and dad. It came today, just in time for their trip to visit (and play with) us. We love games.

Part 5 comes later tonight when we celebrate with Jen's parents. The girls can't wait. They have seen the wrapped boxes for days and the cupcakes are ready.

Thank you all for the many birthday wishes sent out way!