It's My Party and I Can Cry if I Want To!

I believe I have used that title before...yep, here, with a little red someone...

At this party, it was our little beastette.

I don't know what it is about birthdays in this house that seem to bring on the tears.

Thankfully, the entire day was not composed of tears. Emmeline decided a morning nap was not in order (with a little decision-making assistance from noisy brothers). Our plans were to picnic at the park, but the wind was blowing a little too fiercely for us...I know, we've turned soft since we've been away from gusty OK. So, we opted for lunch at Bojangles, home of the YUMMO french fries. Mmmm-mmm...just typing this makes my mouth salivate for their seasoned fries. We all agree they are fabulous, right down to Emmeline.

See my dainty daughter shoving, not just an entire fry, but her fist in as well?

The wind died down a bit, just a few blowzy gusts instead of the knock-me-over-if-you-are-the-size-of-Jos, Gavin, Gunner-wind, so we headed to the park to play. Emmeline loves being outside.

Emme wants all to admire her tongue.

An unsuspecting picture. Love it!!!

After spending time on the playground, we picked up Lloyd and hiked around a couple of trails at the park. Josiah and Gavin decided to emulate Lewis and Clark and took off, determined to hike all the way to California. Kit and Lloyd went to go find them, leaving Gunner, Emme and me in their dust. We had a long, detailed discussion of what would happen if we had to stay there...forever. Gunnison decided he would be King of the Squirrels. Graciously he told me Emme could be the queen. Me? I still had to be the mommy...forever picking up nuts, I guess.After an outfit change (due to a less than pleasant-smelling happenstance) and torrential tears (where the 1st picture is from {mean, mean, Daddy! snapping pics instead of giving loves}) we sang Happy Birthday and Emmeline got to dig into her purple cupcake. (Incidently, do not think yellow cake batter will dye purple...you end up with a color I term "Brain-matter")

Admire the tongue!

Yep, the whole fist-into-mouth, again

Wait! You get to admire her tongue, yet again!

This is her new "cheesy" face

On to the gift opening! Emme had an over-abundance of help with opening her gifts. Gavin was extra polite about it, though. He'd lean over close and ask, "Do you want help, Emme? You want help? Oh. Ok, I'll help you!"

Despite the tears, the Big Number 1 was fun. Thank you for the darling gifts and love! Regardless the miles between us, you all know how to show your love. We truly appreciate all you do for our family.

If my heart gave an extra thump or two throughout the day and my eyes leaked, just a little, when I kissed her good-night, I simply reminded myself it isn't every day my littlest turns one. Funny how quickly they grow. It seems that with every birthday my babies have, I have a lot of joy and a little bit of growing pains.