Guests and Birthdays

I thought I had done a post about Amber coming to visit, but I guess I hadn't. We've had non-stop visitors and activities, so I forgive myself for letting it slip by. But Amber and Adelaide did come for a very nice weekend visit. She brought us treats and gifts and made us meals and did our dishes... She's a pretty great friend to have. And Frederick was quite comfortable with her as well. 

Almost as soon as Amber left Mom came again. She hadn't seen Frederick for a couple weeks and needed a little more cuddle time with him. 

It's easy to understand. He's pretty cuddle-able. 

At the end of Mom's stay Pete was heading out of town for his cousin's wedding. Joyce came to meet Frederick and we planned for her to be here in time to help out while Pete was gone. Mom and Joyce overlapped the first night that Pete left. Clara enjoyed sharing her room with all of our female guests...it's been like a non-stop slumber party for her. 

Aunt Joyce was here for Pete's birthday as well. She and Henry worked together on a lasagna for dinner. 

Clara helped me with the cake. 

And Frederick hung out in his bouncy seat. 

 We had a nice dinner at home with lots of food and cake and singing.

 Fast forward to a few nights ago... Frederick had his first bottle. He took it just fine, which was great because the next day I was spontaneously invited to dinner with a couple of girlfriends. I was so excited to be able to go. We had sushi and lots of girl talk.

 This morning we had Henry's birthday party. We decided to try to keep it low-key with a pajamas and pancakes party like he had a few years back with his pre-school friends. It turned out to be just right. I made a whole lot of pancakes and kept them warm in the oven.

 The boys (and Clara) watched Loony Tunes and played with balloons. They were supposed to be hanging out playing Legos, but "balloon war" was more exciting.

Everyone had their own set of toppings to add to their pancakes as desired. Pete and I came around with the syrup and whipped cream. 

This is a cute picture Pete got with his phone. They're not actually toasting, they're holding their cups up for hot chocolate. Take note that Henry had his sister sit right next to him. He was very good to her during the party...after a few conversations with each of them beforehand. 

 After pancakes the boys were a little too wound up to keep watching cartoons, so I sent them outside. Party favors were little parachute guys, so they played around with those while completely ignoring the fact that I had said only 5 kids up in the treehouse at a time.

 When it was almost time to go I made everyone go out to the front yard and I let them play a little pancake Frisbee with the leftover pancakes. They thought I was crazy at first, but I think they had fun!