Yesterday our family gathered to celebrate three important birthdays. This week TJ is turning 2 and J3 turns 4, and (aunt/grandma) Judy turned 60 yesterday! It was a busy, loud, fun, hilarious, joyful afternoon. We wanted a {nice} picture of the two birthday boys together, but either one or the other was picking his nose. Finally in exasperation, Katie said, “Fine. You both pick your nose!” To which both boys obliged (not pictured)…

Instead of a party for Judy, we all brought her flowers or a plant. By the time everyone’s plants had arrived, the kitchen smelled like a warm summer day out in the sun!There were plenty of gifts for the two boys, a tasty cake, and lots of fun games! J4 slept through much of the party, sleeping through all his snuggles! J3 nicely shared his pop with TJ, and J2 was a hoot as he made faces and started building a car with grapes for wheels and pretzels for everything else. When it was cake time, TJ enjoyed his cake fully and J3 went after J2’s ice cream. He LOVES his ice cream!! There were so many fun games for the kids (and adults) to play. The party theme was Paw Patrol, and each game was paired with one of the characters. TJ was super enthusiastic and cheered for everyone who completed moving the cotton ball rocks from one end of the room to the other. Everyone there couldn’t help but cheer along! In between playing games and eating, gifts were opened (J3, “YOU bought this. For ME?! It is for me?!) and played with by all. And, as with every family gathering, not only is there tons of food and laughter, but tons of love. And baby snuggles. And cousin hugs while watching videos. And coordinating outfits.Happy valentine’s day!