Abby's birthday fell on a Saturday this year, which meant that we spent the whole weekend celebrating and having fun! Friday night we had Tanner over for the first 3rd tier cuzzies sleepover (at least the first one we've hosted). We spend a lot of time between with activities with either Ryan's side of the family, or mine - so much so that we've had a hard time finding friends around here because we're never home. But, never, not once have we regretted the time we spent with family and I hope that our kids cherish these relationships as much as we do.
The sleepover was a success, though, by 11 pm Hazel was sleeping up in her bed and the two big girls had migrated down into Abby's room where everyone was finally comfortable enough to snuggle in and fall sleep.
Saturday we had a full day of birthday celebrations planned. Looking back I wish I'd have planned things differently. Logistically what we had on the docket wasn't simple, but Abby had fun and loved her party, so I suppose that's all that matters.
After having breakfast, Joey and Andy, along with my parents and Aunt Peggy (!) showed up and the kids got to play around the house for awhile before we loaded all 5 kids into the back of the van and headed over to a pottery painting store in Algonquin.
For the love of god, someone, the next time I think it's a good idea to take 15 kids (and only 2 adults) and lock them up inside a store made of glass for 2 hours, remind me that was a terrible choice! I kid, and it's true, it was a long 2 hours, but I think the kids had a great time and it seems like everyone loves what they created. They all turned out pretty good! The big kids did a much better job with focusing on the painting though. So, word to the wise, this is an activity for kids over the age of 7 - LOL!
It was super fun though, I knew the kids would like it there. And, we had some kids who haven't been able to come for lots of the parties able to join us this year. Kayden and Lincoln, Parker and Reese - all of Abby's favorite friends came, even a few from school.
After painting the whole crew headed back to our house for a pool party/hang out. Since Ryan has been traveling so much this past year it's been hard for us to get around and see friends the way we normally have so I know he was particularly happy to have a big summer pool party where we could get everyone together, have a few drinks, more than a few laughs and just relax.
And, it wouldn't be a McGrath kid brithday without a custom cake/cupcake from Auntie. Abby's request for this year was a "merdog" holding a balloon. We opted to go a little more mainstream and picked a normal looking "Copper dog" instead. She still loved it :)
The summer months are crazy - packed full of events and get togethers, but these end up being some of my most favorite memories of the year - and the pictures I print and hang around the house. We're so thankful for everyone who came out to help make Abby's big day special.
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