Blood and Poop

Yesterday, Landon had his little friend Addie over for awhile. In our new house, I can hear the kids' conversations when they are at their art cart because of our open balcony.

Landon: "Did you know you have blood and poop in your arm?"

Addie: (Laughing--she laughs before almost everything she says) "No, I don't."

Landon: "Yes, you do. If you cut yourself, blood and poop come out."

I love 3! I was reminiscing a bit yesterday and realized that by the time Riley was an older three, he already had 2 sisters. I probably only looked at him three times when he was three. Maybe that's why I get so much attitude now.

I still wanted to share Baylee's birthday pictures. The day of the party was also crazy hair day at school. I did the purple Lady Gaga bow last year for crazy hair day, and Baylee insisted on it again, even though a really wanted to do a bun hawk.

Never thought I'd say this, but it was a beautiful, warm sunny day for her party.

She really wanted a monkey cake for her birthday, which seemed random to me. I've never had to make my own cakes for the kid's birthdays before because my mom is a birthday cake decorator extraordinaire  so this is one of my first attempts at decorating a kid's cake. It didn't turn out like the picture, but Baylee liked it and  it tasted yummy so I guess that's what matters. 

I probably wouldn't have posted this picture except I wanted to show off the advent Christmas tree in the background that Baylee and I made this year. I put candy or a prize in a bag each morning and the kids LOVE it! I'm planning on making more of them for our ladies craft fair at our church next year. 

I had Riley and Raelyn come up with the games for the party. This was their crazy hair contest for Barbies. I used to try to come up with themed games that match my party theme. But I decided to do away with party themes as they end up costing alot and the kids seem to enjoy having the responsibility themselves.

These little disk shooters were the highlight of the party for Riley and Eli. I guess everything is a little bit more fun with a balcony.

This is my cousin, Kelley. She and Bren make me laugh like nobody else can. Even her dog makes me laugh.

I can't say online what Zoey reminds Eli of, but if you ever want to know, ask him.

This is my cousin, Bren. Laughing.

And Landon.

Riyah. I'm quite sure what side of the family she gets it from.

The handsome 9-year old playing it cool. 

I would have included pictures of Judah, but he never came down from playing trains until it was time to go. No pizza. No cake. No presents. No games. Just trains. 

My birthday girl. I love how her eyes sparkle!

The girls had a sleepover and it began to snow the next day. They played outside for hours.

I love the bond that happens between cousins. When I was growing up, I didn't get to see my cousins that often, but  I loved spending time with them and considered them some of my best friends. Our kids didn't even meet these cousins until this year, and they love them! They also talk about their cousins from Wisconsin who they hardly ever see and how they want to buy Christmas presents for them when Secret Santa comes to school. Our move to Utah has been so much sweeter because of that bond. 

Maybe it's because we have the same blood and poop running through our veins. Maybe it's because we share all the crazy family history. Maybe it's because we have known each other since birth and so we know who "true" person is under our big girl clothes. Maybe it's all the memories we share. Maybe it's a spiritual bond. I don't know. I don't really care why. I just know I love it.