leah's big day

Leah celebrated her birthday at Amy's today with all of her friends. She even had a special visit from her favorite little man, Cole, who delivered her birthday present. (Note to Karie: Leah has declared that she will wear her new outfit on the first day of school.) This evening, we dined on her chosen dinner menu: Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Cheez-Its, Apples, and Chocolate Milk. And then, we went to the carnival (or carnibal, or cannibal, depending on which kid you asked)! Papaw & Totsie came along with us, and we met Amy, Natalie, Zoey, Ava, & Lydia there!

Here are the littlest of our bunch and the biggest of Amy's enjoying one of the rides:

I thought this was a good one of Zoey:

Check out Kaden ... I think he's enjoying it!

Next up for the little ones was a car ride, while Hannah & Cody rode the swings.

(I think all the adults breathed a sigh of relief because Natalie, Zoey, Leah & Kaden were too little for the swings, though the kids were all a little disappointed.)

While waiting in line for this ride, Zoey put her arm around Kaden, who promptly shrugged it off. Meanwhile, Leah & Natalie were holding hands ... have I mentioned how much I love watching the two of them and their friendship?

Then it was time for the carousel. Papaw with Kaden & Natalie:

And then he jumped forward for a pic with Leah & Zoey. I think he was afraid Zoey was going to fall off her horse when she leaned toward Leah for the picture.

Leah's Princess birthday cake.

Made from scratch by me (strawberry with buttercream icing).

Decorated by Dad.
Present time!

Look at the eyes on Ava!!

Zoey, intent on the presents being opened at the other end of the table.

I think it's safe to say that Leah was thrilled with her Leapster and the games that she got to go with it.

Big girl & her Papaw:

Leah & Kaden got an extra treat at the end of the night - they're spending the night with Dolly. Staying up late, watching a movie, and tomorrow heading to the Zoo. Mike will take Hannah & Cody to the Zoo tomorrow to join up with the rest of the gang while Mike & I are at work. Leah called from Dolly's to tell us good night. When I asked her what her favorite part of the day was, she declared it to be the carnival. Oh, and the presents, too.

Thank you to our family & dear friends for making this such a special day for Leah!