While visiting Grandma and Grandpa, we had a big birthday bash for Elora and Oliver and their cousins Amy and Amanda, whose birthdays are all within a month of each other. It was fun to have the cousins together and to eat a lot of cake.
The cousin crew: Left to right — Jessie, Marion, Amanda, Aidan, Oliver, Elora (being a goober…), Amy, Drake, Cameron. Considering the large number of children in the photo, we thought this one turned out pretty well.
Elora playing with Auntie Sharon. It has been funny trying to teach Elora and Oliver everyone’s names again. They have pictures of their extended family, but haven’t seen anyone in person for almost three years – it has been hard for them to keep everyone’s names straight, but they have LOVED getting to see so much family. Being a cousin pretty much guarantees you a spot on Elora’s favorite people list. But from the looks of it she loves her Aunties too.
Sharon and sweet baby Drake. He was born while we were in Austria, and I can’t believe he is already so big! He is super happy and sweet and we are excited to get to play with him.
The kid table at the party. I am not sure how much food ended up getting eaten, but the kids had a great time. And it is nice to know my kids aren’t the only goobers…
Left to right: Cameron (who has graduated to the big people table), grandpa, Amanda, Jon, Lisa, Chris
Sharon, Gregg, Vy (another new addition to the family, they got married while we were away! Nice to have a new sister), Amy, and look! There is that cute Cameron kid again, and Chris.
Oliver opening presents. He was so cute – when he would open the presents he would get really excited about the pictures on the boxes — more excited than he was about the actual toys.
Elora created a fashionable armband out of an envelope. She was so proud of it, she wouldn’t let us throw it away for about a week.
Elora’s favorite gift this year? A crayon tower. It is an especially cool gift because some of the crayons are sparkly.
The kids all trying to help Amanda open her presents. She is a good sport about all the little cousins climbing all over her.
Oliver loves the happy birthday song, and also loves blowing out candles — so birthday parties are pretty much a bit hit with him!
Elora specifically said she wanted carrot cake. She has been saying so for two years. I don’t think she had ever had it, or even knew what it was. Because Chris doesn’t like carrot cake I never make it. But this year I figured if she really wanted carrot cake I would make her one. So I ended up making four cakes – two carrot with different frostings and two chocolate. I wanted each kid to have their own cake.
Oliver was so excited to hear the birthday song four times! What a great party!!!
All the birthday kids lined up in a row… I can’t believe Amy and Amanda are already 14! We used to babysit them when they were three. But they have grown up to be sweet girls who are so helpful and fun to be around. Our kids LOVE them.
Oliver fell asleep in Daddy’s arms after a big night of partying.
We entertained ourselves in the evening by learning the double dream hands dance. Good fun for the whole family. You can see Chris is really getting into it… The kids love this video and actually try to do the whole dance. We’ll have to make our own double dream hands video soon. The multi-birthday celebration was a great way to spend the weekend with family. Elora still isn’t sure whether or not she is actually five since we have celebrated twice now, but she had a great time with all the different parties!
