Birthday girl.

Sonja's birthday is February 21st, but today was her birthday party. How exciting to be able to celebrate your birthday twice, right?


Peter and I are in complete agreement: next year, Sonja's birthday party will be at Tumblebums, or some other type of Kindergym. Just anywhere else, really. Don't get me wrong, it's fantastic having so many friends come to visit and Sonja has a great time, as do all the other kids who attend. I just really like the thought of taking some snacks and a cake to a different place and when the party is over, being able to just leave. Done.


Sonja has been asking for a rocking horse for the last month or so and after much searching and driving around, Peter finally found the perfect one. She is soft and fuzzy, she has a nice, stable base and she makes sounds when you press her ear. Sonja is in love. When her party was over and she was going in for her nap this afternoon, she made sure to say bye-bye to her new rocking horse.

Unwrapping.

'Daddy, open it! ...Please."

Notice the pink, heart-shaped sticker on Peter's hand.

Taking the plastic-wrapped pony out of the box.

The face says it all.

Now she just needs to be attached to the base.

Helping...

...by adding heart-shaped stickers. Everyone needs heart-shaped stickers.

"Hmm. Now which one..?"

First ride, pressing the ear to get the sounds.

After the guests arrived and everyone had some snacks and the kids all ran around for awhile, we brought out the cupcakes and sang Happy Birthday. Sonja blew out her three little candles, pulled them out of the icing and promptly stuffed the cupcake in her mouth. I don't blame her, they were delicious.

Mia and Ana.

Isla.

Ana.

Chocolate-cupcake smile!

The party was a success. We got to visit with great friends, all the food was eaten, the kids had a great time, and Sonja got the gift she was hoping for. But even better, we raised some money for Baby Molly Campbell and her family. The party was a toonie party, which means that each child brings two toonies and one goes to Sonja and one goes to charity. I got this idea from a few Moms I know and I just love it; Sonja doesn't need a whole bunch of presents and I'd rather the party focus on friends than on stuff. It's a win-win situation.


Haven's first birthday is in less than two months. Would Kindergym be too over the top for a one-year old..?

Rachel and Sammy, Peter and Haven.

Adorable.