Birthday Picture Overload

 

 

 

 

  

We had a pretty great party on Saturday.  It was a super-sized party, by our standards. with friends, family, and many little ones piling into our back yard for games, face painting (thanks, Michelle!), bubbles, and cupcakes.  I don't think I have ever baked 100 cupcakes in one morning, but it was sort of thrilling, and even more-so to see them get eaten one by one.  Way to go, friends!

But you see, Lily really deserves some special attention.  Not only is she the most sweet, enthusiastic cheerleader of the house (when getting ready to go somewhere, she will often be heard going from person to person saying things like, "Wonderful shoes, dad!"  "Beautiful dress!"  "I like your bag!"), but she is a genuinely kind little soul who is happy when others are happy.  This is a special gift: to delight in others' joy like this. She shares her things freely, *especially* when they are wonderful.  In fact, if we take her on a special date, she will put her foot down and refuse to receive a special treat unless she has one to take home to her big sister.  She's very loyal, this one.

And a daredevil.  But you know that, don't you?  Truly a free spirit, with no worry or regard for danger or consequence.  And while she does keep us on our toes on account of it, it is just another way that she is herself, and we adore her for it.

Highlights included seeing many children three and under gently tap a pinata only for a few skillful swings by a "big kid" being required to take it down, watching the inner child emerge from several fully grown men as they invented little games and played corn hole, seeing a torrential downpour clear up minutes before the party (whew!), and of course the bubble machine, which was amazing, and I know will be making rounds to all of the parties in the neighborhood for many months to come.

Happy Birthday, Lily!  We love you, darling!