Rhys' Second Birthday

the EMPKE family

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Revised: 01 Nov 2008 20:55:06 -0500

Rhys' Second Birthday

We held Rhys' second birthday party on Sunday July 9, 2006. Leading up to it we were diligent and vigorous in our house cleaning. I even mopped the floor (only to see it destroyed within 2 days - gosh kids know how to mess up a place!). We did the shopping on Saturday and foolishly brought all four of the kids to the Dominion. Wow, you should have seen us! Two grocery carts; kids running around every which way and groceries piled everywhere in the van (with all the car seats in you can barely fit the stroller, let alone food for 6!). But we managed and thankfully Walker was quiet. We were a bit concerned because we started shopping just before his dinner time.

On Saturday Marg also went to Nancy's Sweets and picked up the birthday cake. The theme was Dora. Rhys recognizes her and Marg had great plans for kids entertainment. She and Sloane dressed up as Dora and we were going to make maps, have a treasure hunt in the backyard and even have Swiper the Fox try and steal something. Alas, many of the kids who were invited were no-shows, due to other commitments and unfortunate illness. Thankfully, Sheilagh and John David came back from camping in time for their kids to come. When Sheilagh arrived with Madeleine and Sarah the came along the walkway beside the house. Sloane saw them and immediately went ape - she just loves playing with Madeleine. Marg used some stuff from Linda's warehouse to make most excellent loot bags made out of Dora knapsacks. Those will get distributed to the kids who couldn't make it.

Also attending were various relatives from Ireland (Marg's family) - Vincent, Steve and Steve's twin daughters Sarah and Rebecca. Their visit to stay with Aunt Anne is quite a story. They are here for several weeks and in commemoration everyone got a tattoo (Anne, Jon, Shannon, Vincent, Steve, Sarah and Rebecca with Gillian's to come). Hmm, I just know the whole "tattoo debate" going to be a tough one in about 10 years.

Anyway, to the party. The guests: Nana, Grandad, Jim (Marcie got called to work), Gramma, Fiona, Jim, Vincent, Steve, Sarah, Rebecca, Jon, Anne, Gran, Gillian, Shannon, Sheilagh (with Madeleine and Sarah).

It was just finger foods, sandwiches and cake, but plenty for everyone. The kids had great fun running about; the girls dressed up and Rhys and Sarah hit it off. Rhys got a Stitch singing doll that he fell in love with and danced like crazy every time he turned it on. He got a "spin" toy that the kids just had to fight over.

Overall, a very pleasant party. And the World Cup was on to provide adult stimulation.

Here are some pictures. I didn't manage to take too many pictures for this event. I'm waiting for Aunt Anne to send along hers, because I think she was more diligent in the picture department. And a special treat - some video of the event - click here.