Birthdays and Busyness

This past weekend was one of those that was busy in the best way.

We started off the fun with L's first birthday party, where we got a chance to party with lots of family members.  As usual, I'll let the pictures tell the story:

We kicked off the celebration by breaking a strawberry pinata, in keeping with the Strawberry Shortcake theme.  N was a little nervous about trying to break the pinata, so...

...Mama showed her how it was done.

...and then Auntie Bethie tried.

...followed by N, who had worked up her courage by that point.

Then Sarah tried... (shouldn't this thing be broken by now??)

...then Aunt Beth...

...and lastly, Uncle Zach took the final blow.

The girls enjoyed treats from the most durable pinata ever!

Here's L's "cheese" expression.  Whenever she sees a camera now, she sits very still and says "diiiiiiiiiiih" until you take the picture.

We then enjoyed the pinata toys indoors as we waited for lunch to be ready.

After lunch, we opened presents.  Many folks brought gifts for N as well, which made her quite happy and kept her busy while L enjoyed her own gifts.

Blowing out candles was a team effort.

She's still not sure what this cake thing is all about.  In fact, we don't even have the typical first-birthday-cake-smeared-face picture, because I offered her one bite of cake and she spit it out in disgust.  Very unlike her sister!!

The happy birthday girl makes a joyful noise!

She was quite happy throughout the party, even when it got to be nap time.  I think big sister's excitement helped to sustain hers.

After spending the next day at my parents' house relaxing, we drove back home in time to attend the Memorial Day parade and hear M's choir sing at the ceremony afterwards.  The girls loved the parade and the band, as usual.

Getting ready for the parade

L, looking patriotic!

M's choir sounded beautiful, and the band played again at the ceremony.  N danced along with "America the Beautiful" and really enjoyed all of the music.  Toward the end of the ceremony the color guard fired their weapons as part of a salute to the fallen soldiers.  I wish they had given us a little bit of warning about this-- N was completely taken by surprise and she freaked out.  I had to carry her, screaming, back to our car a couple of blocks away, and she insisted that we get in the car and close the doors so the "boom booms" wouldn't "hurt her ears."  We kept hoping it was over but then they would fire again, and her panic would be renewed (even in the car with the doors closed).  By the end even brave little L was brought back to the car by Daddy in tears.  When they get older I'm sure they'll appreciate that kind of ceremony a little more!!  I guess now we know to be careful about fireworks on the 4th.

Overall, it was a wonderful weekend!  We hope you enjoyed your holiday too.