Ali's Birthday Party

We did a little better this year for Ali's birthday party and actually celebrated it in June.  Last year we didn't have it until mid-july!  It is such a busy time of year that it is hard to find a time to fit in a party.  My friend, Karen, and I decided to have our kids have a party together so Ali got to share a birthday party with her friend Grace.  This worked out really well.  The kids were happy to have their party together and Karen and I got to split the duties of the party which made it easier since both of our husbands were out of the country.  Karen's house is really wonderful for parties and is frequently referred to as "the country club".  She has a beautiful back yard and a gorgeous, big, warm pool.  Sofia even commented that Grace's house is better than Beckiland (an indoor playplace)!  We invited all of the kids from Ali and Grace's class along with all the siblings so we had about twenty-five children at the party.  The weather cooperated with us and we had warm sunny weather which allowed the kids to spend most of the time in the pool and on the trampoline.  They all took a quick break for food and cake but then got right back to swimming and jumping.  We also had two of the girls from the high school come and paint nails and put on temporary tattoos which were a big hit.  Sofia and Ali didn't take time out for that though since they were too busy playing.  Karen and I had prepared the present for the "pass the parcel" game but we never got around to doing it since the kids were all so happy.  All in all it was a successful birthday party.  Here are a few pictures of Ali and Grace.  The top photo also has her good friends, Cianna and Owen.