Day Twenty-Eight

Today was birthday party day!!!!!

The lady who hosted the party commented that it's been a long time since she's seen a Barney party, which made me laugh because it was nearly impossible to find anything Barney at all. While playing in the gym, Barney music was blasting through the speakers, and every time one song would end, you would yell, "BARNEY!" to show that you disapproved of the music pausing. Your love of Barney runs deep, so I made it happen, just for you.

Jessica came through with another beautiful birthday cake!

We had your party at Gym Bugs, a little gymnastics place inside a dance studio called Revolution Dance. I came upon it when searching for good birthday party locations, and this place was a big win! You slid and rolled and bounced and frolicked the afternoon away.

And you looked really cute while doing it.

Of course, some friends came to play, too. Crescendo from Ms. Tracy's came. There were a few others from day care who were going to come but didn't or couldn't for one reason or another. Kaitlyn and Amelia were there, and even though they're Nora's friends, they had a lot of fun playing with you, too.  Your cousin, Naomi, missed out because she was sick. Auntie Elisabeth came anyway, though! Some newer friends who are the children of some teachers at my school came to play, too-- Mallory, Madison, and Mia. You've played with these girls before, around Halloween, and I hope there will be many more playdates with them in your future.  Here you are playing with (or at least near) some of these sweet friends.

After the gym part of the party, we headed into the dance studio for snacks and cake. All I had to say was, "Eat snacks?" and you lead the charge to the picnic tables. You and your friends had some chips, pretzels, fruit, and juice.

Snacks were followed up with Jessica's beautiful tiered Barney cake that she made special, just for you.

When we left your party, we had another birthday dinner to attend, and that was Grandpa's! We headed to his and Dede's house for dinner with family and a 2nd round of cake, though much to big sister's dismay, the 2 of you didn't get a second serving of cake. You did, however, get to help Grandpa blow out his candles.

Sorry your face got cut out of the picture, but there's the top of your head!

And you and your sister even brought a near-smile to his face before the night was over.

Did Grandpa just stick his tongue out at me?

What do you mean "smile"? I *am* smiling. 

There were some very sad and upsetting things reported in the news today,  and it made my heart feel weary. But you, sweet Tilly, bring our family nothing but JOY, and I'm so thankful for you.