Happy Belated Birthday Month

February is our busiest month.

We have THREE birthdays--Avery's, Rachelle's, and PJ's, as well as Groundhog Day (my fave) and Valentine's Day, not to mention both Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays and President's Day. It seems to me like February was made for partying.

Now to catch up on the celebrations:

Avery had a great birthday, beginning the day off right with daddy's chocolate chip pancakes.

I feel like I have a million pictures of these kids with chocolate faces. Too cute.
We decorated the house with streamers and the Happy Birthday sign the night before. Avery woke up to the decorated house and exclaimed, "This is the best birthday ever!" Her party was supposed to be at a park with all our playgroup friends, but rain changed our plans, so we had the party here at the house. Avery got this koala backpack from us that morning and wore it ALL DAY.
Here she is opening presents. Blowing out her birthday candles---what a big 4 year old!
(My face in this picture kills me, by the way)

Friends eating cake and ice cream

Yummmmmmmmy

The #1 thing Avery requested for her birthday was a pinata. She picked out this Baby Einstein one.

We improvised and strung it over a railing in our covered parking area. The littlest ones got to hit it first.

Everyone waiting their turn, trying to stay warm and dry.

Alex just wanted mommy the whole time

Avery's turn.

The pinata eventually broke open and everyone had their fill of candy.

It was a great party and a wonderful birthday.

For some reason, I never got pictures of my own birthday, which is fine. PJ and the kids made me breakfast in bed, and then we had a Cold Stone Ice Cream cake that weekend. Perfect.

Valentine's Day was a few days later, and for some reason I never took a picture of the GORGEOUS roses PJ gave us. Bummer. So this substitue picture will have to do.

I made PJ's birthday cake completely from scratch, which is a first for me. It turned out great. He was actually able to take the day off work on his special day, which made it wonderful for me and the kids.

I love February...but to be honest, I'm glad all the partying is over. It's exhausting!