Happy 29th Birthday, Gma E!

All of us had long awaited Gma's birthday party at Aunt Donna's. Aunt D's in the nice weather is the best bc her yard is just perfect for all the kids and her deck and screened in porch is perfect for everyone. So off we went, in our new Halloween masks from Walgreen's. 

As you can see, Jenna and Aunt D started off with taking shots. I kid, I kid. 

Benny and Daddy acting crazy.

Nenna and Hill. 

Watching the kids play soccer. 

This property, this night. Perfect. 

The crew

The formal shots. 5 years ago we had another milestone bday for Gma E and I was 9 mos preg w Hill. 

Uncle Mickey and Jax. 

Gma and Hill. Hill had to battle for Gma bc Jackie lays claim pretty fiercely over this woman. 

Below- the yard. 

Cousin Parker. Look how big he is. 

Pop-pop. 

The birthday girl! 

It's no secret that I've been absolutely blessed in the grandparent department. I always thought it was because I had to suffer (we ALL had to suffer) the loss of Gpa Eiding so early in life. I was 6 and nobody thinks that my brothers and I remember him that well, but we do. One of the blessings of siblings is they understand your upbringing better than anyone. I digress. This woman, though, has been this incredible force in all our lives. She is filled w self-respect and humor and loyalty and has remained young at heart despite the passing years.  From Friendly's as children every Wednesday night, to beaching it with us, to listening to me cry about my acne, to Europe and NYC and Pitt and OBX and LBI. I vented to her about my mom countless times (sorry Mom!). She told me to deal w the reality of my life when I was acting like a helpless baby. She supported every insane dream I've had and chatted w me on the phone for hours about movies and family gossip. I want to be just like her.  We love you so much, Grandma. Happy birthday!  

American Girl Doll

Ben had his 2nd week of soccer and is def getting into it. He was really proud he didn't exit the room and was able to lose himself in fun in a group- for shy introverts, I'm learning this is pretty huge. 

What also helps w this greatly, is karate. I could tell by week 2. It's like dance class for boys. Instead of plies, they punch and kick. 

That night my friend Cara got some good close up pics of Jack on the balance beam. 

Obligatory bunny and beagle shot. 

Jim had a work trip this week so I took Will to school as a distraction and here they are walking in together. 

Wednesday we had lunch at Cara's. 

Soccer on Wed night. Hilly told me she is bored of soccer. I told her to kick and chase the ball then. She explained that that is what she is bored of. Despite this, she is really improving at soccer. She also spends most of her time being silly w her buddy Emily. 

While Hill was at soccer, Jack had tumbling w P and got to hang at P's new crib. 

Excited to have bed to myself? Not so fast. There are 3 lives in this bed already. 

My sleepy guy. 

Jack and P had yoga (Hill was at Hannah's house playing). There is this spider mountain they love playing on and it is a total death trap. Stresses me out. 

Look how high it is. Neck injury in waiting. 

While the girls were in yoga, Benny got an ice cream treat. 

Leaving yoga. 

We dropped off P and met Gma and Pop pop at the American Girl store. The kids were soooooooo excited. Almost as excited as Gma D. Gma D and Jack were lost amongst the dolls. 

Pop pop and Hilly were pretty lost too, not gonna lie. 

It was like Disney World. 

Finally Jack picked Julie, the hippie doll. 

Hill picked the Wellie Wisher named Ashlyn bc she came w a tiara. Tiara, rain boots and a tutu- sound like the crazy outfit of anyone u know??? 

Benny got a rubber band. Hahaha  What a trooper. He was patient and excited for his sisters. What a guy.