Birthday bash Number 2

This was the first year that they actually "got it" in terms of understanding the whole birthday idea. For at least the last month they have told anyone and everyone that July 18th was coming soon. Thank goodness we didn't wait until their actual birthday for the party or they may have internally combusted. Since we will spend the 18th in a car headed to Missouri, we invited their friends and family to join us last Saturday for some fun.

I must throw in here that the week leading up to their party was brutal. Jay and I wondered what happened to our kids as they took turns on a daily basis ignoring our requests, throwing tantrums, screaming, crying and driving us to wonder if we should cancel the party. Yes, I regret actually saying to them that if they continued their behavior, we would not have a party. That just sent them into hysterics. Lesson learned on my behalf. They woke up on Saturday with smiles and things have been back to normal. Was it just the anticipation of the party that turned them into the evil twins? We may never know.

Henry and Bryn were so excited to have their bestest buds and their parents(including Courtney's mom), Aunt Shannon, Uncle Bruce, cousin Liam,Grandma and Grandpa Hinsa and Miss Mary join us for the big day.

When I was in San Antonio I picked up a couple local books and one of them was called "Joshua's Pinata". Believe me, that book has been read many many times and they loved hearing about the special stick and the star pinata that was filled with candy. Late Friday night as I was madly shopping for birthday party stuff I found a star pinata at Target so it was a great surprise for H and B. No blindfolding since 2 rounds of kids smacking the pinata made not a dent. It took Uncle Bruce to pound it to the ground and then Jay to rip it open for the candy and stickers to finally fall to the ground. Wish I had a video of Henry saying pinata, it sounded like "Pin-e-yata", emphasis on the "e".

Sam trying his darndest to knock some candy loose from the pinata.

Abbey in deep thought wondering what to grab next.

Little Lennon practicing her swing at the tender age of 1.

Here's Hadley taking a crack at it.

I don't think any of them had ever seen a water balloon so they all thought it was pretty fun to throw them and watch them burst on the grass.

Here's where they stashed the loot... inside the Butterfly tent that Liam gave to Bryn.

Shannon took the above picture and sent it to me at work this week. I printed it off and stared at it all day. This was my favorite moment of the entire day. B and H surrounded by their friends and family who were singing them Happy Birthday. I have never seen them both so full of pure happiness as they realized that this day was for them. It was priceless. I thought Bryn was going to burst she was smiling so hard!!

Can you tell which color cake Liam chose? He even painted some on the railing behind him.

Two peas in a pod. Henry and Grandpa.

Henry and Miss Mary bonding over some cake.

Little Miss Aidyn on the back steps.

The group shot at the tail end of the party. 8 kids and no fighting, whining or crying, it was unbelievable.

And how does he really feel about cake? He can be such a ham. He had all the mommies and grandmas giggling!

Though our relatives ignored our "no gifts please" request, we tried to instead use the party to gather food for one of the local food pantries. Henry and Bryn's friends and relatives helped fill this box with all sorts of stuff for people who need a little help. With gas prices and the economy taking their toll on everyone, food pantries are pretty much bare these days, and we wanted Henry and Bryn to understand that it's not always about what you get, but what you give too. Thank you to everyone for being a part of the two birthday parties and all that surrounded Birthday number three. We love you and thank you for everything.