Elizabeth's birthday party was the first "event" I had been at in a long time with that many people under the age of 5. It was pretty crazy but a lot of fun. Page and Dave did an awesome job with the party and I think it was a huge success. I can't believe how fast both Elizabeth and James are growing up! I would always think it was weird how my aunts and uncles would go on and on about how fast we were growing up and how it seemed just like yesterday that they were holding us as babies....but now I am the one! Elizabeth was born about six months before Evan and I got engaged. I remember John and Judy picking me up from Austin on their way back to Dallas right after Elizabeth had been born so that I didn't have to drive up there alone. I remember John saying over and over "Wait to you see this girl!" referring to his first grandchild. It was a time that I felt so honored and special to be a part of, seeing as I wasn't technically a part of the family yet. I remember Evan waking up that first morning (very early) we were all staying at Page and Dave's house, to go get Elizabeth when she was done nursing but was not wanting to got to sleep, to give Page a chance to sleep. I remember getting even more excited about marrying him and someday it being our child that he was picking up and trying to get to go to sleep.
While we are not quite ready to start that adventure, we love seeing our nephew and niece and are thankful for getting to be a part of their lives thus far. Elizabeth is a great big sister to James and I love watching them together. I often find myself quite content playing with one or both of them at family gatherings and having to remind myself to make sure and talk to everyone else :)
Here are some pictures from the party:
Elizabeth's party had a beach theme. This is her sand castle cake that Page made. VERY impressive!
Beach cupcakes for those who prefer chocolate cake.
Elizabeth (right) playing in the kiddie pool with some of her friends.
The cool play-set that both sets of grandparents gave the kids for their birthdays. Yes, that is a rock wall on the left, a sand box at the bottom, and a tube slide in the back. Elizabeth calls the tube slide "
Me holding James just after he woke up from his nap at the beginning of the party. He wasn't real sure he wanted to be outside where it was so bright. I think it still made for a pretty cut picture though.
Elizabeth opening the birthday present from us. We gave her a book of crafts for kids and a box of craft supplies. I got this same gift from my aunt when I was a kid for Christmas and I thought it was the coolest present. I decided a long time ago that if we ever had a niece of child that was into crafts that I was going to give the same gift. Thankfully, Elizabeth is really into crafts so hopefully this will be fun for her.
On Saturday night we went to dinner with my parents and sister and had a great time catching up with them. My family is very busy with Lisa starting the North East Transitional School a few weeks ago and still going through driving lessons. The three of them also help my aging grandfather (my Dad's Dad) and grandma (my Mom's Mom) on a very regular basis since they are the only immediate family living in the same place as them. They always have great stories about the adventures of helping them. We went to one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, La Fonda's and I had the same cheese enchiladas I have been getting there since I was a kid. They are the cheese enchiladas I compare all other cheese enchiladas to. After dinner, we went for gelato where we talked politics. My Dad loves to talk politics and I guess you could say that keeping up with the news and political issues is almost a hobby of his. Evan and I both enjoy talking to him about the issues because thankfully we share most of the same views and it always makes for good conversation. When we got home we watched the first half of the UT vs UTEP game. UT was going to win so Evan and I went to bed at half-time even though I think my Dad stayed up to watch more of the game.
On Sunday we went to John and Judy's best friends' house for a lunch to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Page, Dave, the kids, us, John and Judy, and the Murphy's all shared in great food and fond memories. During our sharing time, all of us attempted to tell J&J how much their marriage has meant to us. I wasn't the only one who couldn't get through mine without crying. It was a beautiful time and I hope that J&J were encouraged by all that was said. While there have been some rough times during their 40 years together, their marriage is a true testament to God's power and grace. Their marriage and the way they have allowed God to work through their marriage continues to be an inspiration and encouragement to Evan and I and many others. We are very thankful to have them as an example in our lives. Page and Dave actually wrote down what they said and Page has posted them on their blog, if you'd like to read them. Here are some pictures from the lunch:
Getting ready to sit down to eat the delicious meal.
The AMAZING coconut cupcakes Lynn made. Not that I was surprised seeing as EVERYTHING I have every tasted that she baked was delicious. Did I mention that she owned a bakery at one time? I wish I was eating one right now.
J&J attempting to read our card...the writing was pretty small :)
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