Birthday Party (Part 3 of 3)

Ah the last party in our marathon celebration of Baby Magpie's first year.  Because so much prep had been done in advance we had a pretty chill day leading up to the celebrations.  We even got to sleep in until 8:30!

Today's party was with our large group of friends.  Most of these are friends from college as well as those they have married and their children.  My dear best friends Tracie and Sarah that I've know since Kindergarten and grade school respectively are always there too and great helpers on those days where I really need it.  Luckily, today things were pretty well set, but they did bring a lighter so we could actually light the birthday candle at this final gathering that maxed out at 28 attendees.  (I think 8 of these were children!)

We began the fun by handing the kids ladybug headbands when they arrived and ushering those interested out into the blazing heat to search for the hidden sticky frogs and bouncing ladybugs.  B, surprisingly, loved this activity and was a little possessive about the frogs he found.  Hunting went on off and on all afternoon as kids wandered in and out.  Meanwhile, the adults headed to the food which included BBQ pulled pork, Dotter potato salad, fruit salad, chips, corn chive muffins, marguerites, veggies, cheese and crackers and some left over treats from yesterday.

Eventually we moved on to presents when Lady M seemed ready to party.  She got so many amazing gifts.  One of the really cool things is that people thought up such interesting things to get that were different than what we'd been getting or buying in many cases.  For instance, she got this really interesting gears toy( see image) from the Palfreymans that all the kids loved.  She also got some really cool clothes for fall including a cherry blossom shirt from Candance (I'm a sucker for cherry blossoms).  The Millers found an interesting Vtech singing book (See image) and I, personally, was most excited about the talking tea set from Sarah.  These are just a few of the fabulous toys that everyone got to play with the rest of the evening.  Toys are so much more fun with friends to share them. (Aside from the occasional sharing issue, of course, not that that ever happens).

Finally, it was time for cake.  B was a little tearful about some dispute with Nate, but once we got everyone calmed down we actually got the candle lit, and this whole big group of people sang to our baby lady.  I so love that she is surrounded in the love of so many.  I felt the whole weekend that we really were celebrating her, not just having a party to have a party.  So sweet.

The remainder of the party was mostly about toys, playing with the water bottle favors, and some streaking by the three year old boys before we found swimming suits for everyone to use to run through the sprinkler.  (Yes, M had naked boys at her birthday party-- briefly.)  The adults sat around and watched the babies, remembered fun things we'd done and generally caught up on life.  Before we knew it, it was almost 8pm and time for everyone to be in bed.

We always wonder about having so many people involved in the birthdays, double parties, etc.  I have to say I am so glad we did it.  Yes, it was hard and a lot of work.  We did, however, so love getting to spend time with everyone and having them love on our little girl.  I feel very special to have our family so surrounded by love and that makes all the work well worthwhile.  Thanks to everyone who came for sharing in our fun, the presents, and the friendship!  For those that missed this year's extravaganza, you were missed and we appreciate all your kind words, love and support.

(For those interested, all the party pics from all three parties this weekend, including the Palfreyman baby shower can be found here).