Julia's Bday

Last Friday, we drove to LA in the morning for a bday weekend with my sister's family. Yes, it's a long drive for just a couple days, but I always think it's worth it when I see the kids playing together. They all have such a nice time together I really wished we lived closer.

On Friday, we just all hung out and the kids played with Julia's plastic crap presents the girls got her. (Parker, of course, made her a coloring/dot to dot book.)

Saturday, more hanging around the house, a visit to local park where I was mistaken for Amy only once and then off to a pumpkin patch with the girls and Parker. Then we watched Oliver play soccer and then back to Amy's house for more hanging around and party prep.











Then we went to the airport to get Michael who was joining us. Dinner at mom and dad's house, and then bed. The kids slept well and the next morning we had breakfast and park time with Grammy and Ginny who hadn't seen Michael up close and personal since his weight loss.

Then home for more party prep and the party. Amy said she didn't plan anything, but we all know that is a bunch of bullshit. She made mini cupcakes (112 of them) and put them on a styrofoam cone with toothpicks. Then she made magic balls (baking soda balls filled with toys that the kids could dunk in vinegar to get the toy), and a delicious lunch spread (despite the fact that it lacked bacon.) The kids jumped in the bouncy house, played with the water play area she set up, and generally had a great time. Before the last guest had left, we packed up and headed back. It was a long drive with tired kids, but we got home safe and sound and everyone seemed back to normal in the morning.