Friday evening we went to Costco and the kids got to zoom around in the cart- their favorite. They also got to sample some cheese and crackers as we shopped; they were a big hit, especially with Harper. Before we put everyone to bed, I was lucky enough to catch a moment to relax with the kiddos and read them a book. I hope they always want to have books read to them; I'm also lucky that Tony got a chance to snap this picture. After H & J went to bed, Tony and I spent the rest of the night scurrying around picking up and cleaning and getting everything set for Jack and Harper's first birthday party.
Saturday was the big birthday party day and Tony and I started early. Tony's brother, Ryan, and our 7 month old niece Emmy got to the house early so the kids could play; Ryan was nice enough to corral all three kids while Tony and I worked. We got a big surprise when Tony's Aunt Joyce climbed out of the car with Tony's dad who had driven up from Houston. Joyce had flown in from Cincinnati to meet the kids and spend some time with us- it was the best birthday surprise and the kids warmed up to her quickly.
We had a low-key party at the house for Jack and Harper complete with hamburgers, balloons, 7 kids running around, lots of family and close friends, and some great cake smash moments. Harper wasn't too sure what to think about the slice of cake we put in front of her, but Jack dug right in and was covered in icing before long. He ended up with icing in his hair, all over his face, and he even smeared it around on his tummy. I don't think his high chair buckle will ever be the same- it still carries a blue tinge from the icing. Harper ate small bites of cake and tried to be dainty about it, but she also ended up with icing in her hair and all over her face. So, both kiddos went straight from their high chairs to the bathtub. This was the first time that the kids got to take a bath in a big tub, and the first time they took a bath together- what fun!
We were limited on space, but were thankful the weather was nice and some of the kids could play out back. Harper and Jack were happy there were familiar faces to hold them and play with them and pass them around. The kids took an hour long nap from 10-11, and then didn't nap again until 4; they were troopers. We were very lucky to have friends who helped us clean up and family who stuck around until the kids were ready for ready for bed. Tony, Papa, Aunt Joyce, and I were all in bed by 9 pm- if exhaustion is the mark of a successful party, the twins' party rocked!
Sunday and today, we spent our time finding spots for new toys and cleaning out closets to send old toys on to their next owners. I also updated baby books and Tony rested his ankle- he rolled his ankle at the gym on Tuesday and has been in a walking boot since then. That guy grilled hamburgers, ran errands, and did so many other things for the birthday party without complaint. I can't imagine trying to pull off a party without all the hard work he put in- Thank you, Tone.
I still can't believe how big they are getting; our blog from one year ago Saturday (January 18th) documents the first time Jack and Harper became neighbors when their isolettes were moved to adjoining rooms. Now those two little ones are sleeping in beds right next to each other, sharing a room, and babbling and giggling before bed. God is good.
Here are some action shots from the birthday weekend!
No comments:
Post a Comment