Today, Brittain told me that I had a boogie. Her exact words, as she looked up at me from my lap were, “You have boogie in your nose.”

And that is the story of how my 21 month old saved me from a potentially embarrassing situation.

I’m not sure why this particular birthday seemed different to me. As we celebrated Cecilia’s 29th birthday all I could think was, “Oh my gosh, my baby sister is 29 years old!” I looked around at all the people sitting in the room, remembering celebrating mine and Cecilia’s childhood birthdays. I saw people there who remembered Cecilia when she turned 2, and now they were sitting there as she turned 29. I also remembered people who weren’t with us anymore and wondered if they looking down on us and what they were feeling and thinking about. And then I saw the newer family members as Dan, Matt and Brittain were now there continuing to carry on the family tradition. What a mixture of emotions that was.

If you ask me or Cecilia what a favorite memory is, we will surely have many. But, I’m certain that we would both say that Mama baking the chocolate pound cake before all the family birthday parties is one of them. Cecilia came by the house the morning of her birthday and this time I was baking the cake. She knew there was no time like the present. You’re never too young to start the licking of the beaters:

As always, Brittain was prepared to be in many pictures. Here, she took the time to pose with the birthday girl and Aunt Linda:

She had forgotten how exhausting these birthday parties can be. She took a moment for a quick rest on Aunt CC:

Brittain took part in all birthday festivities. Blowing out the candles:

Eating some ice cream:

Eating more ice cream:

and more ice cream:

and MORE ice cream:

Our lame attempt at a self-portrait:

After most everyone left, we retreated to Mimi and Doot’s room to relax:

Or maybe we just went there to play some more. In this picture, Aunt CC and Brittain are covered up with a Cabbage Patch tent that belonged to Cec and me when we were kids. I can’t believe my mom saved this stuff. But I’m so glad because Brittain LOVED it!:

The end of the day. Good ol’ exhaustion:

I love you, Cecilia. You’re my best friend and I’m so fortunate to have you as my sister. Happy Birthday!

You heard it right. Today we had the good fortune of sharing Will Mulder’s 4th birthday with him. As always, it was wonderful being with friends and having so much fun.

Even though there was one of those huge inflatable Moonwalks to play in, Brittain decided that made her feel a little too out of control (OMG. She’s so ME!) and chose to play with all the balls instead.

Robert, however, LOVED the Moonwalk. He got smart and decided to combine the fun of the Moonwalk and the balls by putting a ball IN the Moonwalk. Smart kid!:

The flirts:

Will offers this white ball for Brittain to have until he can afford a promise ring:

She considers the offer:

After much playing, we retreated to the food room for gift opening, pizza and cake. Another moment where I realize how neglected all of these children are :-):

The birthday boy chowing down on some canteloupe:

Daddy put on a smile despite his mouthful of food:

Awaiting the big moment before Will blew out the candle on his Little Einstein’s Rocket cake (made by Kate Evans):

This was my favorite moment of the day. As everyone began singing Happy Birthday to Will, he reached for his mother. This is where he chose to stay for the duration of the song. I don’t think Erin minded one bit:

Will decided it was his birthday and snuck a bite of cake before it was officially cut and served. You go, Will!: