birthday, continued

If you remember, last Saturday, Snowdrop celebrated her 4th birthday. It was a wonderful day and she was one happy little girl, but it was low key. I mean, terrific activities with parents, then cake with Ed and me. As I said -- low key. The kid party and the presence of her Chicago family (and indeed the presents from her Chicago family) were saved for this weekend.

And so today is a crazy busy day.

But first, there is a calm breakfast. Look who's joining me today!






And now I spin forward! Must start baking for a family brunch tomorrow. Hurry. Crack eggs, sift flower, cream butter. Mix, roll out, put aside. It's time to go party!

The Snowdrop's birthday bash is at the place where Snowdrop  dances every week -- Storybook Ballet. For a small sum, they'll do a party with you! (I do so love the entrepreneurial spirit working to support the arts and young parents at the same time!)

And here's an important part of the day: the Chicago clan arrives! Including cousin Primrose!






(The two babes with the two dads -- they can't be part of dancing group, but they surely can have a fill of all the chaos and colorful commotion!)






Snowdrop is allowed a dozen friends and though her playmates at school are mostly girls, those outside of school are a goodly mix. The boys were warned that this would be a ballet dance party, but Storybook Ballet is really about interpreting stories through dance and so there is room for everyone's expressive movement. 






There's dress up too.







There aren't very many kids that do not enjoy putting on costumes.






Happy girl... happy kids, all of them!






The grownups (and babes!) mingle in the waiting area, munching on snacks easily provided, as there is a grocery store just above the ballet studio.

(Primrose, loving the treat bag pinwheel!)







After the dance, the kids get their sugar high, presents are opened, songs are sung...






It's a wonderful way to celebrate the birthday of a girl who loves to dance,

(Hey, Primrose, I bet you'll twirling away too in a few months!)






Sparrow? Well, he needs his nap. His uncle provides a comfy resting spot.






And now it's time to go home.





For Snowdrop, the birthday song continues, because of course her Chicago family too wants to wish her great happiness and joy in the coming year.



At the end of it all, we exhale over a pizza.

And then all grows quiet. The youngest kids go to sleep, the middle generation goes out on the town and I baby sit. Or, you could say Ed and I baby sit, though if Primrose, who is sleeping at the farmhouse, would wake up with just him here, she may well have something to say about it.

My eyes are half closed by the time the young ones come home. Tomorrow is another full day. No birthdays that I know of, but still full -- of family and little ones and all good things that they bring to our lives.