Wow - where do I begin? What a wonderful day we had yesterday - from the wee early hour of 7:30 through to midnight.
A week and a half late, but we celebrating that wonderful milestone for Leah & Paige - they are ONE!
Peyton had us up a little earlier than normal - the excitement and anticipation was eating at her, for sure. She'd spent a big part of Friday with Jenna, Laurie and Mitchell - Laurie drove them out to visit a new litter of kittens, which is every 3 yr old's dream, for sure. Lots of play and fun times, and the weekend had started.
So back to yesterday morning - we quickly got some food into Peyton and got her dressed, because Laurie & Jenna and the boys were taking her off our hands (Yet again!) and by 8:30, she was on her way to Cosmic Adventure for a morning of fun. While she was gone, and the twins napped, Paul & I did some last minute house preps (and decor) for the party. Lucky Peyton spent the whole morning away being spoiled and catered too - she even had a nap in J's glorious bedroom and then Jenna got her up and quickly dressed her in her party clothes, did her hair and they all returned to our house for about 1:00 PM.
It was a good sized party - my mom, Paul's parents; Erin & Peter; Deb, Gary, Tristan & Shane; Chantal, Colin, De, Paul's aunt & uncle (Betty Anne & Ken)and cousin Vicki with Gord; Jeffy & Wade; Kerry, Dave, Scott, Kyle & Connor; and of course, Laurie, Heron, Jenna & Mitchell. We missed Rich's parents (who sadly had a death in the family); Rich, who was spending some QT with his grandmother; Tanya who took the opportunity of a long weekend to visit her sis in TO; Heather who was resting after an overnight shift; and Eric, Helen, Elizabeth & Claire, who thought it would be wise to keep their germs at home
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I also couldn't help but miss Sharron - although she passed away almost two years ago, when she was alive she didn't miss one significant moment in Paul's and my life. Reflecting on pictures from yesterday, you can't help but notice that she's NOT sitting on the couch under the window. :( Paul & I also briefly discussed my father yesterday morning before the party started - I don't talk about him a lot, but can't help but wonder what he'd have to say about all.of.this. Life is funny.
After everyone was settled and had a bevvy, we had the twins open their gifts (utter chaos!!) Then the pizza arrived - Laurie threw together two massive caesar salads - pizza & salad is a wonderful combo! We ate, chatted, partied, and then the sang happy birthday to the girls - big eyes watching us as Betty Anne placed these two chocolate cupcakes in front of them. Paige was a little apprehensive, but Leah dug right in. And Debbie did her usual "Leah, rub your head - like this!" and the kids got filthy. A quick bath and new outfit, and it was already 3:30. So Grandma & Nana tucked the girls into bed and our some of our guests started to leave - it is, after all, Easter weekend and people have plans!! The Gunns were the last to leave (the boys actually didn't want to go! And I thought my place was "boring for boys!") and made tentative plans to return later. Rich showed up around (this is a guess) 6:30, and played with "his girls." Chantal, Colin & De returned (after going home to rest, and work) and Dave showed up a bit later. Hockey was on the TV (not that *I* care) and we had a great evening - all kids were in bed and zzzzzzzzzzzing by 9:00PM - it was an exhausting day. Quick game of poker and I think Paul & I were in bed by midnight.
So...the thank-you's: to all of you for coming and celebrating this special day with us; for the lovely & fun gifts and generous education contributions - and also Peyton's gifts...you'd think it was CHRISTMAS! Paul said it yesterday, but I'll repeat it - each and every one of you have helped us tremendously over the past year. It's hard to remember those first few weeks, but what I do remember is the WORK! And the revolving door: meals, visits, bath times, feeding times "go have a nap, Kari," "let's take Peyton off your hands," "you guys need an {adult) night out and we're brave" (yes, V&G we're still taking you up on it!!)- oh God, there's so much more to thank you all for, but nothing fits more than the proverb: "It takes a village to raise a child." So thank you - I can speak for only myself when I say with absolute certainty, we couldn't have done it without the help. I'd be institutionalized, for sure!!
So I will post some of De's pictures - a bit later today, but before ending this I wanted to send out a greeting to Mike & Margo's dear friend Jeff.
Mike & Margo met Jeff & Bev a few years ago while travelling somewhere south (not sure where specifically - Mexico, DR, Costa Rica?) Jeff & Bev were from Boston, and the foursome would meet up almost annually at some hot vacation destination. Bev sadly passed away a couple of years ago, and while Margo tells us her presense is sincerely missed, she, Mike & Jeff have continued their annual tradition. This past winter, they spent a couple of months just outside Orlando and returned just a couple of weeks ago. Margo phoned Paul & I in tears last week - she'd received a very touching letter from Jeff (thanking her & Mike for the good times) and in the letter he enclosed a very generous gift for our three girls. A very healthy investment for their future schooling. Now Jeff has never met our daughters - he knows them through Mike & Margo's stories, and from reading my blog - and he adores them. Jeff, words can't express our thanks - you are a kind man. We'll keep you in our prayers - stay strong.
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