A Nice Weekend

Em's party went really well, and I think everyone had a good time. There were some hitches, of course...including one of those please-no-this-isn't-happening moments when I went to pick up the cake and the bakery was like, "What cake? We have no order for a Mathews cake" and then proceeded to decorate a fresh one right in front of me as I stood there watching the precious extra minutes tick-tick-ticking by. But it all worked out in the end. The weather was gorgeous and many of Emma's friends stopped by throughout the day to play and celebrate with her. Em seemed to have a lot of fun, although more than once I found her hiding inside because the sun was too much for her. Once Grandma, Grandpa, Grifin and Callie arrived after the official party ended, Emma transformed from the somewhat shy, reserved party girl into the crazy-manic-happy girl she usually is around her cousins. Em opened all her gifts (SUCH inventive presents, thank you EVERYONE!), and I think it was universally agreed upon that Brother Bear was the biggest hit. We had a great visit with our family, and it was so nice to spend Father's Day with both my husband and father. Chris liked his gifts and LOVED sleeping in, and then we all went out for breakfast while Mom watched the three youngest kids. And tonight we are taking Em to see Kung Fu Panda while Aunt Jayme hangs with Sophie. So all in all, I very cool weekend. Here are some pics:

Emma blowing out the candles on her cake - which eventually melted in the sun

Emma and her friend Leo

Two of my favorite girls in the world - Gen and Sophie - having a conversation

A party shot - birthday girl in the middle

Grifin, Sophie & Emma lounging

Sophie with her Grandpa

Em and Callie attacking Grifin (yes, that's his leg) and Aunt Jayme