Caroline is 6!

It's hard to believe I have a 6 year old niece - Caroline's birthday is today, and we went over to her house last night to celebrate with her. At Caroline's request, Sarah made a fantastic spaghetti dinner that we all thoroughly enjoyed. I think Matthew was really too entertained by all that was going on around him at the kids' table to focus on eating, but I did see him chomp on some garlic bread and make "music" with his fork.

Zach & Joy with Atomic Betty:

Prior to dinner there was a little rockin' out, and Matt did his best to show his skills on the drums. After we ate Matthew found himself quite intrigued by the pink princess hair dryer, and he and Ava traded it back & forth for awhile. Meanwhile, in the kitchen a concert was underway. Joy, Sarah, & I remained at the dinner table to watch as Caroline & Mary Claire performed a high-energy version of "Fabulous" from High School Musical. They were so into it prancing here and there while clutching their little puppy dogs in their arms.

You've got to wonder how many other performances Bryan & Sarah will be seeing in their kitchen over the course of the next several years. So entertaining.

In lieu of cake (& also because she was getting to have cupcakes at school today) Caroline decided she wanted ice cream sandwiches. Yes! Now, I love me some cake, but an ice cream sandwich is nothing to frown about. Caroline blew out the candles in her ice cream and then devoured two of them before I could barely finish off one. Impressive. The kids ran off their sugar for awhile longer and then crashed. After gift opening & bedtime rituals the adults indulged in some American Idol and Rock Band. Aw yeah.