The “BIG” party

Nora has been begging to have her party at Jump Zone (a local bounce place) since she turned four last year. We decided, okay, sounds great AND easy!

My mom and sister came into town on the day before the big party. They got to go with me to pick up the girls from school…

It was a beautiful day outside, so when we got home my mom and and the girls went outside to play while dinner was being made

For Nora’s cake, for her party, she was very specific about what she wanted…cupcakes, blue icing for the boys and pink icing for the girls. Sounded like a baby shower to me, but I aim to please!

Her candle! Big FIVE!

Helping me with her cupcakes

Aunt Marty and Elyn join in on the fun!

After the cupcakes were made the guests (actually GUEST) that Nora and Elyn had been waiting to arrive finally got to our house…their new cousin, ESTHER!

They were so excited that they could not keep their hands off of her car seat!

Elyn and two-week old Esther…Elyn would have sat like that all night long if she could have!

Now, Nora’s turn

Then, Uncle Matthew…looks like he still has the touch!

Before bedtime, we played a rousing game of UNO.

Esther started getting hungry at one point and I held her up to my face. She latched onto my nose. I laughed so hard! And my nose was so wet-ha! My girls used to do the exact same thing!

The next day was party day! I tell you what, having someone else “throw” the party for you is AWESOME! I really had to do nothing, other than bring the baby shower cupcakes…it was great. Although, Matthew told me on the way home from the party that he likes “homemade” parties better-sigh.

I’m just going to let the pictures do the talking…unless of course I think it needs some explanation…

Most of the kids that were at her party…

After all the playing, we headed into one of the party rooms for pizza, something to drink, cupcakes and presents!

Present time!

I love how all the kids are jammed up around Nora. And yes, I am 15 months pregnant in case you were wondering.

The only family picture…too bad it’s not framable.

After the party, we all came home and the kids (and some adults) got a nap. When Nora woke up, she wanted to sit as close to Esther as possible. Snuggled up to Gram was a close as she was going to get.

I got to snuggle up with my little buddy.

Nora had another party to go to that afternoon, for her friend, Annabelle.

Marty came with us to the party as the official photographer.

After some cake and present opening, the party moved across the street to Build A Bear. I have never been to a party there before and thought it was pretty cute. The A/C was broken in the building so I had to go outside at one point because I thought I was going to pass out. Other than that, good times!

When we got home from the party, everyone was outside enjoying the gorgeous day…

Brian and Esther

Elyn showing the camera her gummy fish…her treat while we were at Build A Bear. (She insisted on wearing her “3” shirt since Nora was wearing her “5” shirt. So cute!)

Noah showing the camera his treat also.

Julia and Noah and the talking grannies in the background-ha!

Fun Noah! Wheeeeee! And he would not let go of his gummy bear in his hand (or was it gummy fish? Either way, by the time he ate it, it was filthy!)

Perfect baby Esther. Seriously, she is fantastic! Granted she is only two weeks old but I rarely heard a peep out of her. She slept well (or I was told she did) and the noise in our house did not ever seem to bother her. I hope Rives is as good as she is!

Fun with Aunt Marty…

Matthew lit a fire in the fire pit after dinner that night and we all went out to the deck to roast the largest marshmallows I have ever seen!

Yummy!

That’s my “sticky” face.

It was a pretty busy day and I had been on my feet A LOT, which caused for quite a bit of swelling to occur (awesome.). Marty gave me a pedicure! Thank you so much!

“You see, what I think is…” Do I always talk like that? Geez.

It was a great birthday party and a great day! We are so thankful that our family and friends were able to celebrate Nora with us….thank you, everyone!