Dear Sis,

Our week with you went by very quickly! Your house must seem very quite after all those house guests:)

Wednesday, June 26th

We work up and packed the car. It took us three hours to get our things together, Evelyn’s new Little Tyke car and Pottery Barn kitchen garage sale bargains, and pack all the party supplies and food, into the back of our mini van. We arrived in time for dinner. 

Thursday, June 27th

Papa Jeff arrived while we were sleeping. He was ready with a dozen blueberry muffins for the morning rush:)

I had a busy day in the kitchen making Fondant Watermelon Cupcake Toppers, Watermelon Rice Krispy Treats and the sugar cookie crust for Fruit Pizzas for the party. 

William spent the day practicing casting and reeling his new fishing rod, so he would be ready for his first fishing experience with Papa Jeff.

Evelyn put her new walking feet to use, trying to keep up with William!

Friday, June 28th

I got an early start before anyone needed the kitchen and baked 4 dozen Chocolate Chip Watermelon Cupcakes for the party. I also made the Potato Salad and filling for the Deviled Eggs. 

When my party chores were finished, I took the kids for a dip in the pool. 

Meanwhile, you and Carmin cleaned the garage and set up all the table and chairs for the party.

Family friend Orville, Mom’s boyfriend Brian, Mom, and Nate’s friends Alex and Shannon arrived with their 9 month old twins. We had a full house by dinner time!

Saturday, June 29th

We spent the morning getting all the food prepared for party time! Then we got to sit back and enjoy family and friends:) Mom, and her mom, Great, were kind enough to do the clean up, so we pregnant ladies could take a much needed break. 

Our friend Sarah, from our Old Economy Village days, was able to come with her two kids. Her oldest, James is also in the picture.

Friends get you a water table for your birthday. True friends build it for you! John and Susan, our friends from synagogue days, well over a decade ago, came to the party too:) Somehow John isn’t in this picture. Grandpa Carmin snuck in instead.

Thanks to all the family and friends who helped make Evelyn’s First Birthday a truly wonderful occasion!

Sunday, June 30th

We said goodbye to Grandpa Jeff, Gran and her boyfriend Brian, and Orville after lunch. The remainder of the day, we took it easy. Both Mama’s and toddlers had afternoon naps. After all that rest, we were ready for an evening walk after supper. 

Afterward, Papa Carmin and the kids played with the new homemade blocks. Papa Carmin took care to use a light wood and size the blocks for little hands and easy stacking. They are a hit!

Monday, July 1st

We started the day with a morning run to the grocery store.

Evelyn had her one year well-check at the pediatrician. When she was done being a very well tempered pin-cushion, she got to come home and play in her new water table with William.

Tuesday, July 2nd

Tuesday morning we all went to Geneva Public Library for family story time. We spent the rest of the day cleaning up and packing so we would be ready for the long drive home early the next morning. 

Evelyn and William really enjoyed their week together. Boy are they going to miss one another’s companionship! The sibling manufacturing process is too slow:)

Wednesday, July 3rd

We got home safely in the afternoon. William was trilled to see Daddy when he stepped in the door! 

Love,

b