April birthday parties

We had a few birthday parties in April, and Ainsley absolutely loved going to them.  As soon as I mentioned going to a birthday party, she would have to pretend to blow out candles.  My girl loves a good party!

The weekend before I had Lily, Ainsley and I headed down to Carlinville for Grayson's second birthday party.  Ainsley was really good, until it was time to leave.  She enjoyed playing with the other kids and all of Grayson's toys!  She's only a few weeks older than Grayson, but she towers over him.  He is one of the cutest little boys, and you just want to squeeze his little cheeks!

Ainsley still doesn't get the concept of sharing, so we had a few issues with toys, but thankfully there weren't any major meltdowns.  We all went outside and watched Grayson get his new gator.  All the kids loved it and wanted a turn. 

Ainsley loved Grayson's new scooter!

Ainsley's taking Grayson for a ride!

We got a picture of the two of them in the wagon, like last summer.  It's amazing how much they have changed in a year! 

Top:  2012  Bottom: 2013

Lani's 7th birthday party was the next day.  Ainsley was excited for yet another birthday party!  Lani couldn't wait for everyone to get there so she could open her presents.  Rita, Jennifer, Kathleen, and Lani had all went to St. Louis to the American Girl store the day before, so Lani got quite a bit of stuff from there for her birthday, which she was very excited about!

A new American Girl doll from Aunt Jennifer!

Drake watching Lani open presents

More American Girl stuff

She was excited about opening something

Her cake was One Direction (the band), and all the kids enjoyed the ice cream cones (especially Ainsley!)

The kids all enjoyed running around and playing outside.  I think it's safe to say that Lani had a good 7th birthday!  It's still hard to believe that she's seven years old.  I remember getting the call that Kathleen was in labor.  I was doing my senior seminar presentation that afternoon at Blackburn, and headed up to Springfield as soon as I was done.  I remember sitting in the rocking chair in the corner of the room, holding Jackson while she delivered Lani.  Jack sat on my lap, sucking his pacifier the whole time and didn't move an inch.  Oh, to have a child as laid back as Jackson was...

Sadie, Lani's Uncle Johnny (or maybe one of the Duck Dynasty guys?!?!) and Lani

Birthday girl!