May 29, 2012
These photos have been lying dormant on my mac for months. Hidden gems waiting to be posted. And I can’t let Eliza’s birthday come and go without writing about her party last year. Yes, I said last year. The one we had several weeks late. But around here, we live the mantra “better late than never” – be it birthdays or blogging.
Michelle took these photos (check out her new photography blog here.)
Eliza, age 6
Two-layer cake with pink frosting and fresh flowers.
And this is baby Michael. Isn’t he the cutest thing? He belongs to my sister Deb and was content to hang out with the beach balls she and my parents dutifully blew up.
A little more Michael.
The water balloon games were a huge hit. Here’s Eliza throwing her balloon at the cement. The girl who made the biggest splash won. We marked each girls’ throw with a circle of chalk.
An angle I never see that reminds me how much I love being a mom.
Despite much cohersion, Sami refused to give Michelle a smile. But Michelle doesn’t give up easily.
For gift-opening, we played “Pass the Pineapple” – a variation on “Hot Potato.” When the music paused, whoever was holding the pineapple passed their present to Eliza.
Sami kept guard over the cake. And look… there’s a restrained sort-of-smile.
Eliza wasted no time sampling the frosting after she blew out candles.
A few more happy faces.
Ali, sitting pretty.
My favorite moment? Dancing the hula while we waited for Moms to arrive. I didn’t know if the girls would take to the footwork and hip-swinging, but they loved it. They gracefully followed every lilt I made with my wrist, every position, every step. From “the little brown girl in a little grass hut” to “all the fishies in the ocean.”
And that elusive smile? Well, there it is. A balloon after the party can work wonders.
Happy 7th (and 6th) Birthday Eliza. You have an ebullient spirit, a brave heart, and a creative energy that blesses our family. It’s exciting to watch you discover your gifts. I’m looking forward to your Fairy Garden Party in June. To more years of celebrating your beautiful life. I love you.
Candice and Steve
Those pictures and the kids are just fabulous! What a cute party idea. I also notice how beautiful it is in your yard – that is summertime in Utah. We wouldn't even be able to hold it outside during the summers in AZ. Oh well, we have the winter. (Sigh). So glad I got to see this post!
Shelli
Cath, darling photos of darling people! So much fun to see. Thanks for sharing them. And I know what you mean about the little nuggets of growing-up-moments. Sadie hardly plays with baby dolls, never with Barbies, or with her kitchen set anymore. It makes me sad to see that little mite growing up. We miss you!
catharvy
Candice – Doug was just asking if I had visited you in Arizona much. I said, sadly no! Maybe sometime we can plan a trip your way… thanks for your comment. xo
Shelli – Sure miss you! Sadie's just a year ahead of Eliza… so oh, that makes me sad. You're in the thick of a whole different stage now aren't you? I hope we see you soon. I love you.
Anne Marie
Just beautiful pictures. You certainly know how to do parties. It looks absolutely incredible. Seeing Sami's smile at the end of the pictures was a treat. xo