Better Late Than Never- from 10/20

Hi there peeps! So I didn't write this week-oops! Anyway, it was the week of Rachel's birthday. She had about 3 "parties" between my family, Craig's family and her dad's family. Not to mention her first friend party. On Friday morning, Rachel and I went to see our friends Jack and Laura. Jack and Rachel are about 2 months apart and look like they could be related. They are also "active" children (Jack more so-honest). Laura & Nate (his parents) lived next door to us when Craig and I first got married. They also have twin girls who are adorable and now 2 and a half. Jack and Rachel and Laura and I became fast friends. We saw them several times a week between church and play dates. Sadly for us, but good for them they bought a house in Nampa (about 20 minutes away) about a year ago. Rachel and Jack always have fun when we go to see them about once a month. Another plus, Rachel plays so hard there that she always takes a little nap on the way home :)
Rachel had her first friend party this week too-it was a big production for me, but so much fun for Rachel. I spent most of the morning dusting/vacumming and sweeping/mopping because one of the girls that came is allergic to cats. I didn't want her to be miserable while she was here and besides, a lot of moms would be at least dropping kids off. About an hour before the party I realized that I had to do some light prep work for the games by decorating a posterboard and making pixie dust for the Tinnkerbell themed party. Oh yeah, don't forget the cake. Cake? Oh crap!! No offense, but I have the best husband out there-Craig made the cake for me while I did prep work and showered. It all came together and I made it by the skin of my teeth-which is how a lot of things work with me anyway. A few moms stayed but most left and the girls had fun taping the "glow" back on Tinks wand and playing. When I suggested a game of pixie tag, the girls all ran outside to play on the swing set-not what I anticipated, but OK with me. After 15 minutes I suggested tag again but then they started chasing each other and screaming outside. Whatever right? Rachel got some great stuff too-paints with paper, a Barbie, a puzzle, candy and a stuffed horse. I requested the gifts be $5 or less because honestly, with how "well taken care of" she is, she doesn't need tons more stuff. One of the moms actually told me it was a great idea because a lot of people have tighter budgets these days and not to mention pressure (real or implied) to give a really nice gift. All these girls are from Rachel's preschool class and were so polite- "Ms. Heather, where can I put my shoes?" "Ms. Heather, can I be done with my cake?" Craig put together goodie bags and frosted the cake and helped whenever and however he could. It was a lot of work, but worth it. Besides, now we have a really cool Tinkerbell tablecloth and matching balloons and streamers too. The only bummer was that I couldn't find my camara and didn't get ANY pix!!! Grrr!! Maybe I can recreate some of the scenes since we still have decor.... I'm still trying to put pix on the blog but am not getting too far. I added one from last year at the bottom though. Have a great week.