FYI

Ok, just need to point out that the horse fly on the back of Gia's leg is Viola! GONE! (Thanks, Lauren for teaching me how to retouch pics! What an amazing button!)

A fun-filled day for Mackie

Mackie received such an awesome present from Aunt Lauren. Lauren picked Mackie up at 9:30 in the morning to take her to the Philadelphia Zoo for her birthday present. She was so excited this morning, because she knew full well, today, was "all about me, Mommy! NOT my sissys (her nickname for sisters.)"

I told her to say "hi" to the gorillas for me- they're my favorite!

Love this pic!

Shewww...poor Mr. Polar Bear...you must be sweating!

After they left the zoo, Mackie and Aunt Lauren dined at Friendlees, Mackie's favorite restaraunt!

Then they stopped at Lauren's to pickup Koda and Hootie. Mackie was thrilled to not only get to ride next to them in the car, but walk them up the driveway into the house to show her sissys!

Of course Gia and Kaylee had to have their turn walking the doggies. So off they went while Aunt Lauren traveled with Mackie on her back and camera in hand!

I totally think Hootie is smiling for the picture!

Koda is not to sure of this picture cause he spotted 2 other dogs in the background.

What a great day had by all! Now I'm off to pack for vacation...

Mackie's 5th Birthday

On Monday, July 27th we celebrated Mackie's 5th birthday. We started the morning by looking through her albums from birth. I still can't believe she is FIVE! Not quite sure why this still surprises me because I am sure you can all atest, that her attitude and behaviors mimics that of a 14 year old.

We had her Fished Themed pool party at Baba and Pop-Pops's.

All 7 of them

The kids started off swimming while I put out all of the food. Once everyone arrived, they dried off to eat dinner. We are very blessed with a wonderful family- Baba and Pop-Pop, Aunt Nicki, Uncle Steve and their 4...Jessica, Ryan, Josh and Danny, Aunt Laurn and Uncle Scott, Mr. and Mrs. Shipley, Uncle Bill & Aunt Nicole and their 2...Emma and Madeline, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Danielle with their 2...Cambelle and Chloe.

Maddie- loves that hand!


Matt and Scott - I think Matt is mid-bite...

Cambelle

For all of you that know Danielle...just picture her saying in her lovely Brittish accent - "Oh, Hellooo!"

HI Nicole!

Matt and his Mom

After dinner it was time for the cake-shaped pinata. Mackie was up first, then it went from smallest to tallest.

Aunt Lauren and Maddie watching the festivities

Mackie taking the first hit.

Matt's assisting those not quite tall enough...

Go Emma!

Danny was full-speed ahead all on his own!

Gia's crush sent candy flying everywhere!

Mackie sporting the top of the pinata. Which I must say, made a lovely cake hat.

Then we headed inside for cake. Check out the cute fish...I made it all by myself. Oh yeah, Betty Croker- move over!

After cake, Mackie wanted to go back swimming. So off they went!

This is what I did to entertain myself while people swam. I was determined to get a picture of Doggy, the huge fish, with his mouth open. I wasn't quite successful but you can still see how hugggeee he is!

At the top, center picture is the strangest looking fishy that swims sideways...literally! He is always "belly up".

Jeff and Matt had to leave for a softball game. Well, not just any game, it is the final round of the play-offs. Unfortunately they lost, but after the game, Jeff and Danielle brought the girls back for swimming.

Chloe - snacking on some pretzels

Baba had made hot chocolate for the kids when they got out of the pool. This mixed with the candy from the pinata, sure kept them going....

and going...

and going...

Mackie was the last kiddie out of the pool! This was about 9:45 pm!

As the party came to an end, kiddies started passing out left and right. The first to go out was Joshie, followed by Gia and Kaylee.

Josh and Gia

Gia


Shocker! Mackie is still up ready to party!

We finally left Baba's at about 11 pm, not bad for a 5 year olds birthday party!!

Sunday July 26

On Sunday, we enjoyed the afternoon swimming at Baba's, eating Pop-Pop-Pop's delicious grilled steak, and devouring ice cream cones.

Mackie

Gia hanging onto Mr. Dino

Oopps..forgot to rotate...Nicki and Josh

Kaylee a.k.a. my little mermaid

Part of the Gang...

The other half...

Gia and Pop-Pop

For some reason, after this photo, everyone wanted to show me an open-mouth smile. I think Gia totally wins...with me a close second! You be the judge...

Ryan and Kaylee

Daniel

It seems af though Casey wanted to join in on the fun, but then chose to lick instead!