Amelie's birthday party

It was Billy's first day gone today and there was a definite void in the house. The kids asked for him and we had to explain that he would be gone for a while. But luckily, they stayed busy with Amelie's birthday party. She will be 6 on Monday--so hard to believe. I know it is hard to have a summer birthday, but we were grateful that several of her kindergarten friends were able to make it, and a few from church. It was a beautiful day--sunny and warm with enough of a breeze to make it perfect. We had the slip n slide out and tossed water balloons and water darts and used our water blasters. Of course, we had to pin the crown on the princess poster. And as per Amelie's request, we had a Hello Kitty birthday cake, but it was windy enough that she only pretended to blow out candles. :) I couldn't even get one to stay lighted for a second. Mary even got to take her lunch break during the party and came home for cake and ice cream. Eric joined right in with the entire party--with two other boys there. And even Tanner tried cleaning off his pacifier in the water spraying up from the slip n slide. He was drenched by the end and didn't even wait to be changed before he conked out afterward. I had to take his wet clothes off while he was asleep so he could take a nap. Even Eric was so worn out that he fell asleep only half an hour after Tanner. It really was a lot of fun. I enjoy entertaining, despite the stress I put myself through getting ready and set up. I am so glad we could celebrate Amelie's birthday with her friends. She is such a good helper and wonderful little girl. Our family has been blessed with her presence in our home.