Happy birthday number TWO to you!
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| Emmett digging into his fruit snacks... |
Emmett, I'll always be proud and happy that you, my darling, squishy, audacious, adorable, smiley, and loveable boy, are my nephew. I'm so glad you were born into my life!
Showing posts with label bday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bday. Show all posts
Monday, September 3, 2012
Emmett Lamond...
My darling Mr. Emmett?
Happy birthday number TWO to you!
Happy birthday number TWO to you!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Sweet Kaylee J
Happy #2, my darling niece! YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE!!
I'm so glad to be an aunt to such a darling, happy, loving little girl. Just thinking of Kaylee Juliana makes me smile...
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| Lady Kay and me a few months ago after sharing a meal at Rumbi... |
I'm so glad to be an aunt to such a darling, happy, loving little girl. Just thinking of Kaylee Juliana makes me smile...
Thursday, May 31, 2012
now say it without flinching...
I had a birthday last week. The big three-oh.
I thought I'd turn thirty with grace and poise (although I'm not sure why--I don't possess either of those qualities on even my very best days). Yes, I thought turning 30 would be easy, because I had a bit of a hard time turning 29 last year.
But the joke was on me, it seemed.
I was sitting in a church meeting on Sunday, April 22, when it hit me: I had exactly one month left of my twenties--which seemed synonymous with "the days of my youth," really.
It really was a hard month for this Ginabean! The days between April 22 through the evening of May 21, things kind of went wayward and awry and...all around not nice. And it didn't all have to do with my youth quickly scampering away; those 30 days threw some major curve balls in my direction, and it caused extra turmoil.
The greatest annoyance, of course, was that I was annoyed about a silly number to begin with! "IT'S JUST A NUMBER!" I kept chanting to myself. "You're only as old as you feel!"
Well. This could go on for a while, it seems, and I'm sure you all get my point.
May 22 arrived (with ferocious velocity), and I went about my business just like any other Tuesday.
Except I got lots of phone calls.
And lots of texts.
And people were extra nice to me.
And a handful of people said to me (on my birthday, as well as those difficult days leading up to it) that THIRTY IS THE NEW TWENTY. At first I scoffed and rolled my eyes, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked it, and it makes sense (in my old, senile brain ;) so I think I'll go with it.
I had to work from 8:00am until 5:45pm. Oh yes, and on that day, I was getting a new car radio/cd player/clock installed in my car. (No, it wasn't a birthday present to myself, but rather, Handsome Rob's original quit working the week before.) Since my car was with my car guy (Larry is his name), I got a rental.
If I wasn't feeling old when I woke up that morning, driving around that silly rental did the trick...
Anyway...I met Brooker for lunch at Jimmy Johns, were my boss Matt was having lunch with his wife and daughter...and when he saw me there, he insisted on paying for our lunches as well. (What a swell guy, eh?!)
That evening, a (very) few people went to Jami's house for cake, and it was delicious! (I love salted caramel hot chocolate, so when Jami came across a recipe for salted caramel chocolate cake while we were in California in February, she stole the recipe right out of the magazine. Then she made it for me on my big day. Isn't she a thoughtful friend?!)
After eating the cake, we sat and visited for a while, and then my good friend Cameron sang me a song, special for my birthday!
The story goes like this: back in September (of last year), I was up in Yellowstone with Cameron (and a couple of gals); while driving through the park, we listened to some tunes on Cameron's mp3 player. One of those songs was "Hear You Me" by Jimmy Eat World. Apparently I told Cameron exactly how much I love that song, although I don't recall that conversation. (It seems legit, though, as I do love that song.) The story continues that he found the music and learned the song, then he played it at this big Halloween party. A party that I didn't actually attend. Aaaand since he supposedly learned the song for me, he held onto to it for something like 7 months, and he played (and sang) that song for me on my birthday.
Yes, my friends. I was serenaded on my 30th. (You better believe that I mentioned it on my status update on Facebook. Within moments of the final strains of the song, even!) THANKS, Cameron!
I thought I'd turn thirty with grace and poise (although I'm not sure why--I don't possess either of those qualities on even my very best days). Yes, I thought turning 30 would be easy, because I had a bit of a hard time turning 29 last year.
But the joke was on me, it seemed.
I was sitting in a church meeting on Sunday, April 22, when it hit me: I had exactly one month left of my twenties--which seemed synonymous with "the days of my youth," really.
It really was a hard month for this Ginabean! The days between April 22 through the evening of May 21, things kind of went wayward and awry and...all around not nice. And it didn't all have to do with my youth quickly scampering away; those 30 days threw some major curve balls in my direction, and it caused extra turmoil.
The greatest annoyance, of course, was that I was annoyed about a silly number to begin with! "IT'S JUST A NUMBER!" I kept chanting to myself. "You're only as old as you feel!"
Well. This could go on for a while, it seems, and I'm sure you all get my point.
May 22 arrived (with ferocious velocity), and I went about my business just like any other Tuesday.
Except I got lots of phone calls.
And lots of texts.
And people were extra nice to me.
And a handful of people said to me (on my birthday, as well as those difficult days leading up to it) that THIRTY IS THE NEW TWENTY. At first I scoffed and rolled my eyes, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked it, and it makes sense (in my old, senile brain ;) so I think I'll go with it.
I had to work from 8:00am until 5:45pm. Oh yes, and on that day, I was getting a new car radio/cd player/clock installed in my car. (No, it wasn't a birthday present to myself, but rather, Handsome Rob's original quit working the week before.) Since my car was with my car guy (Larry is his name), I got a rental.
If I wasn't feeling old when I woke up that morning, driving around that silly rental did the trick...
 |
| It truly was boat-sized. Felt like I skipped 30 and jumped straight to 70. |
Anyway...I met Brooker for lunch at Jimmy Johns, were my boss Matt was having lunch with his wife and daughter...and when he saw me there, he insisted on paying for our lunches as well. (What a swell guy, eh?!)
That evening, a (very) few people went to Jami's house for cake, and it was delicious! (I love salted caramel hot chocolate, so when Jami came across a recipe for salted caramel chocolate cake while we were in California in February, she stole the recipe right out of the magazine. Then she made it for me on my big day. Isn't she a thoughtful friend?!)
 |
| The most excellent cake, wearing 30 candles. |
 |
| Lighting the candles... |
 |
| Yes. I am well aware that my cake became a fire hazard... |
After eating the cake, we sat and visited for a while, and then my good friend Cameron sang me a song, special for my birthday!
The story goes like this: back in September (of last year), I was up in Yellowstone with Cameron (and a couple of gals); while driving through the park, we listened to some tunes on Cameron's mp3 player. One of those songs was "Hear You Me" by Jimmy Eat World. Apparently I told Cameron exactly how much I love that song, although I don't recall that conversation. (It seems legit, though, as I do love that song.) The story continues that he found the music and learned the song, then he played it at this big Halloween party. A party that I didn't actually attend. Aaaand since he supposedly learned the song for me, he held onto to it for something like 7 months, and he played (and sang) that song for me on my birthday.
Yes, my friends. I was serenaded on my 30th. (You better believe that I mentioned it on my status update on Facebook. Within moments of the final strains of the song, even!) THANKS, Cameron!
 |
| Sing to me, Cam. |
 |
| Yep, This made me smile. |
*Technically, "Hear You Me" is kind of a sad song--written for a dead friend--but it's still sweet, and I will always love that song.
Anyway...I've been thirty for 9 whole days now, and I can even say it without flinching. Watch this: "I'M THIRTY!"
Aaaand since I've been thirty for a while now (heh heh), I've had time to think about the whole issue of why I was dreading my birthday. I've come to the conclusion that I wasn't bummed out at turning thirty so much as I was really sad to be leaving my twenties (there is a difference). But so far, thirty feels like 29, which felt an awful lot like 24, if you must know.
So. Yeah. I can say it without shuddering. I'm OWNING thirty, and I have a feeling that wonderful things are directly ahead of me in this new decade.
*If you have made it all the way through this post, bless your little heart. Thanks for sticking to it, and sticking with me!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
...and he changed my life forever.
Today is April 15th...usually it's a day reserved for panic and anxiety (if you decide to leave your taxes to the very last second). I don't recall any specific April 15th being a particularly bad day, but if you'll rewind to exactly eight years ago with me, I'd like to tell you a story...
It was a Thursday afternoon, nearing the very end of my senior year of college; I had just finished my last class of the day (I want to say it was...SLPs in the Public Schools?), and I was walking out of the education building on Utah State University campus, when two of my dear roommates came running toward me, yelling (in such happy, cheerful tones), "You're an aunt! You're an aunt!" They told me that several minutes earlier, my brother Aaron had called for me at my apartment to announce that his wife (my incredible sister-in-law) Amy had their baby. (Nope; I didn't have a cell phone back in April of 2004. How old-school is that?) Jamie and Julia ran to my room to check out my class schedule (that I kept on my wall, for just such an occasion as this, I suppose?), then they ran up to campus to wait outside my classroom building to pounce on me with the delightful news.
When it had fully sunk in what they were telling me, I flipped out right there on Utah State University campus.
I was an aunt! To a sweet little boy that I hadn't even met yet, but already loved so deeply.
Later that evening, I headed to the hospital with the rest of my family (who had come from Brigham), and I met Jackson Anthony officially for the first time.
I had always looked forward to the day I'd become an aunt (and, okay, a mother, but let's not go there right now), and meeting this little man (with a cute, screechy cry, and skinny, old-man legs) was so much better than I had ever imagined. Jackson was as good as mine, and I'd do anything (ANYTHING!) for him.
And now...somehow...my Action Jackson is an eight-year-old. Where does the time go? I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday!
I also remember (like it was yesterday):
-coming back from AK when he was 4 months old, no longer a skinny newborn, but a chubby, happy, bouncing baby, his cute personality already shining through...
-watching Jackson scoot and crawl and learn how to walk...
-watching him watch lights (especially at Christmas), and how entranced he was (and still is) but lights...
-listening to him erupt with laughter when one of us would yell, "Stellllllaaaa!" (from a Streetcar Named Desire? I've never seen it, and I don't recall exactly how it came to be that one of us initially started yelling "Stella," but I remember, with clarity, Jackson's reaction; he'd get into a fit of laughter and look around at each of us, and when he'd calm down enough, he'd start yelling, "Stella!" until one or more of us would chime in and yell it right along with him, which would throw him into another fantastic fit of the giggles, and I have to tell you: this game never got old for any of us.)
-when he was diagnosed with autism. It was a bummer, but possibly made me love this sweet little boy even more.
-watching him play in the water; whether it's a swimming pool, in the tub, running through the sprinklers, or playing in the cold water from the hose (no sprinkler head attached), this kid has always been a water baby. His eyes light up at the very prospect of playing in water. (He has been known to run at full speed into a lake, fully clothed, and splash around on the shore, smiling like a fool the entire time.)
-having him walk up to me, climb up me and wrap his legs around me, and take part in one of the longest hugs in history. (That happened a few years ago, and it's one of my favorite memories of all time.)
-listening to him laugh. I don't remember all the things that make him laugh, but it doesn't matter: Jackson has the best laugh I've ever heard. Hands down.
-being the person to present him with his beloved chocolate. He makes eye contact and bestows unto you the biggest, most genuine smile. Every. Time. :)
I could go on. For pages and pages, I could go on about the sweet memories I have of my sweet Jackson, and list all the reasons I love him. He is a fantastic kid who just makes my heart melt into a pathetic, drippy puddle. I love my Jackson; he has changed my life for the better, and I thank him for it.
And now...some pictures (in kind of chronological order):
It was a Thursday afternoon, nearing the very end of my senior year of college; I had just finished my last class of the day (I want to say it was...SLPs in the Public Schools?), and I was walking out of the education building on Utah State University campus, when two of my dear roommates came running toward me, yelling (in such happy, cheerful tones), "You're an aunt! You're an aunt!" They told me that several minutes earlier, my brother Aaron had called for me at my apartment to announce that his wife (my incredible sister-in-law) Amy had their baby. (Nope; I didn't have a cell phone back in April of 2004. How old-school is that?) Jamie and Julia ran to my room to check out my class schedule (that I kept on my wall, for just such an occasion as this, I suppose?), then they ran up to campus to wait outside my classroom building to pounce on me with the delightful news.
When it had fully sunk in what they were telling me, I flipped out right there on Utah State University campus.
I was an aunt! To a sweet little boy that I hadn't even met yet, but already loved so deeply.
Later that evening, I headed to the hospital with the rest of my family (who had come from Brigham), and I met Jackson Anthony officially for the first time.
I had always looked forward to the day I'd become an aunt (and, okay, a mother, but let's not go there right now), and meeting this little man (with a cute, screechy cry, and skinny, old-man legs) was so much better than I had ever imagined. Jackson was as good as mine, and I'd do anything (ANYTHING!) for him.
And now...somehow...my Action Jackson is an eight-year-old. Where does the time go? I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday!
I also remember (like it was yesterday):
-coming back from AK when he was 4 months old, no longer a skinny newborn, but a chubby, happy, bouncing baby, his cute personality already shining through...
-watching Jackson scoot and crawl and learn how to walk...
-watching him watch lights (especially at Christmas), and how entranced he was (and still is) but lights...
-listening to him erupt with laughter when one of us would yell, "Stellllllaaaa!" (from a Streetcar Named Desire? I've never seen it, and I don't recall exactly how it came to be that one of us initially started yelling "Stella," but I remember, with clarity, Jackson's reaction; he'd get into a fit of laughter and look around at each of us, and when he'd calm down enough, he'd start yelling, "Stella!" until one or more of us would chime in and yell it right along with him, which would throw him into another fantastic fit of the giggles, and I have to tell you: this game never got old for any of us.)
-when he was diagnosed with autism. It was a bummer, but possibly made me love this sweet little boy even more.
-watching him play in the water; whether it's a swimming pool, in the tub, running through the sprinklers, or playing in the cold water from the hose (no sprinkler head attached), this kid has always been a water baby. His eyes light up at the very prospect of playing in water. (He has been known to run at full speed into a lake, fully clothed, and splash around on the shore, smiling like a fool the entire time.)
-having him walk up to me, climb up me and wrap his legs around me, and take part in one of the longest hugs in history. (That happened a few years ago, and it's one of my favorite memories of all time.)
-listening to him laugh. I don't remember all the things that make him laugh, but it doesn't matter: Jackson has the best laugh I've ever heard. Hands down.
-being the person to present him with his beloved chocolate. He makes eye contact and bestows unto you the biggest, most genuine smile. Every. Time. :)
I could go on. For pages and pages, I could go on about the sweet memories I have of my sweet Jackson, and list all the reasons I love him. He is a fantastic kid who just makes my heart melt into a pathetic, drippy puddle. I love my Jackson; he has changed my life for the better, and I thank him for it.
And now...some pictures (in kind of chronological order):
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| bathtime! i told you this kid filled out. so squishable. and kissable... |
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| a very new jackson with a younger (chubbier) aunt gina |
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| oh, those cheeks! |
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| Christmas 2006 (this was taken a couple of weeks before jackson became a big brother) |
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| swingin'! (taken a few months after jackson became a big brother) |
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| taken at mcdonald's play place. jackson loves climbing. |
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| handsome brothers: seth and jackson (taken about a year ago?) |
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| i told you this kid loves water... (kaylee's first birthday party, august 2011) |
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| jackson loves being squishe... |
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| more tub time for action jackson |
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| yeah. my jackson is one handsome boy... |
I know he can't read this, but here's Auntie Gina wishing her sweet Jackson the happiest birthday ever!
I love you, Bug!!!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Jackson Hole, WY (Finally!)
Throughout the summer, Jami and I talked about taking a day off and heading over to Jackson Hole just to play.
Then summer faded to autumn (my favorite!), and our trip never happened.
And that was a bummer unto us.
So we decided to take a half day off of work, and we headed on over to Jackson Hole to celebrate Jami's birthday a few days early.
It was a cold and lovely day in Jackson on October 27. We got there mid-afternoon and walked around town and around the shops. Ah, spending time with Jami is always fun...
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| Moooooose! Jami in a cute little moose beanie... |
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| I'm not entirely sure what this little number is, but Jami kind of wears it well... |
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| Yes, Jami loves hats. Even yeti hats from Eddie Bauer... |
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| Jami totally wants a pair of Moon Boots. And I totally teased her. (But she looks cute in them!) |
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| /Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto/ As it turns out, Moon Boots are ridiculously comfortable... |
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| This here is a huckleberry truffle. So tasty I very nearly cried. |
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| Jami also loved the truffles... |
It made for a terrific afternoon and evening!
Happy birthday, Jami! Thanks for the fun time!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Big Boy Emmett
Holy moly, Emmett is O.N.E! (Mm-kay, so technically he's one year, one week and four days old; it comes as a surprise to nobody that I'm behind on blogging...)
But I digress...
My little muffin (who technically belongs to Aaron and Amy) entered this world with the most exquisitely kissable cheeks I've ever seen. AND! Because I'm his loving auntie, I've stolen many, MANY opportunities to kiss them, usually planted somewhere between the actual cheek and his neck. (This is where his jowls reside, and they are WONDERFUL to nibble on!)
BEHOLD!
Emmett is a delight, folks.
My little muffin used to sport a furrowed brow on occasion...
And his little pouty lip could just break your heart right down the middle...
But lately (okay, for most of his life)? He rarely scowls or pouts, and his smile could melt the heart of...a snow beast? (I don't know! Think of someone/thing with a really cold heart!)
Happy birthday, my sweet big-little Emmett Lamond! I love you!
But I digress...
My little muffin (who technically belongs to Aaron and Amy) entered this world with the most exquisitely kissable cheeks I've ever seen. AND! Because I'm his loving auntie, I've stolen many, MANY opportunities to kiss them, usually planted somewhere between the actual cheek and his neck. (This is where his jowls reside, and they are WONDERFUL to nibble on!)
BEHOLD!
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| 3-day-old Emmett--the first time I clapped eyes on him (and his cheeks!) |
My little muffin used to sport a furrowed brow on occasion...
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| Unfurrow thy brow, Emmett! Gina kisses are awesome! |
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| Awwwww! How can I make it better for you, Emmett?! |
But lately (okay, for most of his life)? He rarely scowls or pouts, and his smile could melt the heart of...a snow beast? (I don't know! Think of someone/thing with a really cold heart!)
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| HEART: MELTED! |
Aaron and Amy threw a nice little shindig to celebrate Emmett and all the joy he brings into our lives...
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| Jackson on the swing |
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| Two one-year-olds: Kaylee and Emmett |
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| Jane and Uncle Goose |
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| CAKE FACE!!! |
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| Seth was excited to celebrate Emmett's birthday! |
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| Birthday kisses! |
Happy birthday, my sweet big-little Emmett Lamond! I love you!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Sweet Kaylee J
It happened a little over a year ago: Kaylee Juliana was born.
And do you know what can happen to a baby in 365 days?
The cute little muffin went from this:
...to THIS!
Check it out:
Kaylee quite enjoyed her birthday cupcake...
...and so did Emmett.
And do you know what can happen to a baby in 365 days?
The cute little muffin went from this:
...to THIS!Kaylee J is a darling little sweetheart (in case you couldn't figure that out on your own from the pictures above). Goose and Janel had a little family party for Kayleebug's special day.
Check it out:
Kaylee quite enjoyed her birthday cupcake...
...and so did Emmett.After a BBQ and presents and cake, Kaylee took a little swim to clean off a bit. And since all O-family children love water, they all had to take part in the water fun...
Aaron sat beside the kiddie pool
making sure Kayleebug was safe...
Jackson. Loves. Water.
He couldn't've cared less that the water was cold...
Marshall and Seth were hiding in these tube things
and then Goose would shower them with the hose.
Oh, you should've heard the giggling!
(It reminded me of Toy Story when Buzz & friends cross the street under traffic cones.)
Janie in her waterlogged diaper.
(This thing expanded to ridiculous proportions!)
The birthday girl relaxed a bit with Uncle Vance
after her little swim...
Emmett's cute little fishy-lips...
Aaron sat beside the kiddie poolmaking sure Kayleebug was safe...
Jackson. Loves. Water.He couldn't've cared less that the water was cold...
Marshall and Seth were hiding in these tube thingsand then Goose would shower them with the hose.
Oh, you should've heard the giggling!
(It reminded me of Toy Story when Buzz & friends cross the street under traffic cones.)
Janie in her waterlogged diaper.
(This thing expanded to ridiculous proportions!)
The birthday girl relaxed a bit with Uncle Vanceafter her little swim...
Emmett's cute little fishy-lips...I adore my sweetest little Kayleebug; I love that I get to be a part of her life, and that she is such a happy, wonderful part of mine. Happy #1, baby girl!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The Janiebug
I honestly don't understand. How is it that time goes by so quickly? It feels like just yesterday that Jane Gracie was born.
2-day-old Jane
(doesn't that smile kind of melt your heart?)
Then Jane had the nerve to turn one.
ONE!
(PS she loved the cake but hated getting dirty. bwa ha!)
We went to dinner at Wingers
where Janie ate popcorn to her little heart's content.
Then we went to the park
(which is one of her favorite pastimes).
Yeah. She loves the slide.
She kept saying "Slide! Slide! FUN!"
2-day-old Jane
(doesn't that smile kind of melt your heart?)
Then Jane had the nerve to turn one.
ONE!
(PS she loved the cake but hated getting dirty. bwa ha!)
Welp, another year has gone by, and my Baby Jane is not so much a baby anymore. She's a real live Little Kid. And as sad as it seems that she's no longer Baby Jane, I have to admit that Little Kid Jane is pretty dang stupendous.
I took her on a date for her birthday a few weeks ago.
I took her on a date for her birthday a few weeks ago.
We went to dinner at Wingers
where Janie ate popcorn to her little heart's content.
Then we went to the park
(which is one of her favorite pastimes).
Yeah. She loves the slide.
She kept saying "Slide! Slide! FUN!"
Then we went to Gramma's house where Marshall and Seth were playing with water balloons (before camping out in the back yard in a tent with Papa). Those boys were sure cute and fun how they included Janie in on their water party...
The firing squad: Jane, Marshall & Seth
Yes, I daresay she had a good time...
The firing squad: Jane, Marshall & Seth
Yes, I daresay she had a good time...
Jane was the best date I've had in a while. (Thanks, Janiebug!)
The next day, Jane's folks threw her a family birthday party; and there was much rejoicing in the land!
Jane loves birthday cake...
Stylin' birthday girl!
(Janel/Goose gave her the tutu; Aaron/Amy gave her the glasses)
Cutie-pie Kaylee
Emmett getting his cheeks squished by Uncle Goose
The next day, Jane's folks threw her a family birthday party; and there was much rejoicing in the land!
Jane loves birthday cake...
Stylin' birthday girl!
(Janel/Goose gave her the tutu; Aaron/Amy gave her the glasses)
Cutie-pie Kaylee
Emmett getting his cheeks squished by Uncle Goose
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