A Happy Birthday!

On June 7th Irene turned 3! We had a "Dora the Explorer" party for her. We had the party at the Rocketship Park which is right across the street from beautiful Lake Michigan. Thankfully we had sun that day especially since the week leading up was cold and rainy. Mark made hot dogs on the grill and my mom made Manhattan deli salad plus we had a lot of fruit and veggies.

Lots of yummy food!

The grill master at work!

My wonderful friends, Shannon and Warren. Below is a picture of their super sweet (and good sleeper!) baby Samantha.

My mom

My dad

My (little) brother Peter and my sister-in-law Ashley. I was surprised when Ashley showed up. We have not been speaking and everyone (including what I had read on facebook) said she had a student function and would not be able to come. I was glad she came though I was busy with kids, food and general party craziness to get a chance to really talk to her.

My mother-in-law Pat holding Gavin. I think she held him almost all afternoon :-)

My (big) brother Matt. For some reason I never got a picture of him with his wife and their son Eric. In fact I had meant to get pictures of everyone at the party but I missed quite a few!

My dad helping Irene open her mountain of presents. I said no gifts on the invites but everyone brought something. I thought that was very sweet and Irene truly loves every gift! The little boy in blue is my nephew Eric.

My sister-in-law, Kaye, helping Irene with the gifts. Dora jammies!

A make-yourself tutu from the Madsen family (five people I did not get a picture of!).

Henry helping Irene open her gifts....she wasn't going fast enough for him!

Pet sitter Dora!

Dora Loves Pepito! Yes, Irene loves Dora!

My brothers pushing Irene, Henry and Eric on the swings.

My brothers again. In the background are a couple of the Madsen family playing. I can't believe I didn't get their pictures!

My dad, Peter, Irene and Henry

Amy Miller and her son Mason. In the car seat is her beautiful daughter Marah. She has a ton of hair and is a good sleeper...how did my friends get babies that sleep so well?!

Amy and mason and I think that is Henry and Eric. Eric fell in love with Maggie Madsen, a beautiful older woman (age 7!).

The little guy in green is Amy's son Trenton. The rest of those people are my crazy family.

Amy, Mason and Trenton

Overall it was a great party. Very simple and just a lot of play time and fun. I wish I had been able to get more pictures. Oh well...next year!