I Like My Birthdays, ...!

What a wild and crazy week we had! First, the first day of school on Monday. I sent all three girls to Benjamin Franklin Charter School. Paige was an old pro, the big 3rd grader! My kindergartners, Megan was silently sad to be left alone and Haley had a full blown cry when I left. Funny, because they all woke up at 6:00 a.m. excited and ready for school to start! Nathan had started school the week before and showed no sympathy for his crying sisters and wanted to leave quickly so he could get ready for school too. Just like a man! However, despite the tears - even the few from Paige - they all had a great day and were almost ready to go back a second day. Paige has a great teacher this year, finally a veteran, and Megan and Haley are in the same class with Mrs. Memmet - a very sweet loving teacher who loved them the first day and won brownie points with mom.

The rest of the week was spent in a flurry trying to get ready for two birthdays and a baptism. I always joke that we only party twice a year, but man when we party we do it BIG!

Nathan's was on Friday and we had a crowd there to help him turn 4! Yes, my baby boy is now 4 years old and still alive! We had family, family and more family come to the party. A special treat was having Eric, Brooke, Hudson and Gavin here (Jeff's brother and family). We rarely get to see them and this was their first trip to our house. Nathan and Hudson got on like old friends. It was so fun to see. We also were blessed with having both sets of grandparents here and one set of great-grandparents. I love my family! We had swimming, presents, Lightning McQueen cupcakes, balloons, pop rocks, snow cones, and food, food, food! I fear that Nathan will be expecting this every year!

Saturday it was on to Paige's big day. Not only did she turn 8, but she was also lucky enough to be baptised on the very same day. A very special treat! Other than Adam's family (who was involved in a wedding), and Aaron's family (newborn baby), everyone was here to witness my first born be baptised into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! I am so proud of her and her decision. She was absolutely beautiful that morning in her baptism dress fashioned by mom. The pictures may not show it but she was just beaming! Sarah and Austin sounded fantabulous singing Paige's favorite baptism song, "Baptism" and Jeff gave a wonderful blessing. So now my first baby is baptised and it's on to the party. Family and friends crowded into my home and yard and we ate, swam, ate some more, swam some more, ate some more and more and more (and I still have leftovers!)

Everyone traveled so far (some from all the way across the street!) to help us celebrate. I am so grateful for the love that filled my home this weekend - it is still seeping through the cracks. Did I mention - I LOVE MY FAMILY!