This year Julianne had a monkey themed birthday party. She loves monkeys and has recently switched to calling them "meh-mee"'s instead of "ah-ah"'s (for the sound they make). Julianne's Mimi(Grandma Bryant), Gigi(Grandma Mobley), Papa(Grandpa Mobley), Uncle Jason, and Aunt Laura all made the trip to Louisville to celebrate with us. We also invited some of Julianne's friends. The kids (and some adults) played in our front yard for the first hour and a half of the party. Our generous neighbor allowed us to use her inflatable bouncy, so the kids had a great time jumping around. They also had fun playing in the water table and decorating and playing in the cardboard play house. We took a break from playing and ate lunch, which consisted of monkey sandwiches, pretzels, fruit, and veggies. When we sang "Happy Birthday" to Julianne and it was time to blow out her candles, she actually was able to blow them both out. Such a change from last year's party. She then went on to demolish her cupcake, and has been asking me to eat "monkey eyes" ever since. The "monkey eyes" on the cupcakes were actually M&M's and she is currently in love with this sweet "melt in your mouth and not your hand" candy. After cleaning several chocolate covered children, we moved on to open presents. This too went much differently than last year's birthday party. Julianne opened cards and presents all by herself. We did sometimes choose to help her just to speed up the process, but she really seemed to enjoy ripping the paper open on her own. Here are some pictures of the big event!


Shiloh and Carrie decorating the house


Madelyn and Alison


Hanging out in the house


Lillie Kate and Austin playing at the water table


Gigi, Uncle Jason, Papa, Aunt Laura and Julianne


Having fun jumping


Blowing out candles


Chowing down on monkey cupcakes


Gigi holding the youngest guest, Meghan


Nella enjoying her cupcake


Opening presents


Opening another present


The finished product, after much house decorating


Posing with Mimi in a princess outfit


Trying on some big girl underwear from my friend, Annabelle - Notice the potty training sticker on her dress- Stephen thought it might convince her to get started


Loving the jewelry from Uncle Steve and Aunt Shelley