Birthday Party in the Park

Yesterday was the big "1" birthday party. And what a party it was! If Emmett didn't walk a mile, I would be very surprised. I don't remember him off his feet for more than a couple of minutes the whole day. With no gates, doors, or other obstacles in his way, he was off and running. And of course Magnolia had her own idea of enjoyment -- why do all that running around on a hot day when she could just be held by one of the four grandparents in attendance! She did get down to play now and then, just to let everyone know she was there (and admire her little yellow dress).

The park was SO nice -- there were huge cooling shade trees to put our chairs and blankets under; parking was not too far away, and hardly anyone else ventured into our section of the park. Adults and children alike arrived not only in autos, but on bicycles too! (It's Seattle, folks.) D&R brought their large mat like the one we use when we go camping, and we put them together on the ground so parents could sit with their little ones. Heather brought a "tunnel" and a beach ball and there were other toys too, so there was plenty of activity all afternoon.

Of course there was food! And beverages. Flowers and balloons. Denise brought out the cupcakes with candles to celebrate the birthdays and everyone joined in on the traditional song. Neither Em nor Mags had any interest in the little fluffy white cakes; they were not sure at all that cupcakes really were something to eat!

People came and went all afternoon as their schedules dictated, and it was 5:30 or so before the party ended. There were some VERY tired children at that point. They were asleep just a few minutes after they left the parking lot.

Here are a few scenes from the picnic: