Leo's 4th birthday

It's lots of fun having a grandson, and a grandson's 4th birthday is an extra special time to celebrate.  Leo had 2 parties: a friends party at The Ark two days before his actual birthday, and then a family party on his birthday.  The first 7 photos were taken at The Ark, a wonderful, huge, indoor playplace at a local church.  We had the whole place to ourselves, and the kids were free to climb, slide, run, and scream to their hearts' content.

Here's my sweet Leo with his yummy birthday cupcake, listening to everyone sing the happy birthday song.

Erika did a fabulous job creating the wild animal cupcakes, in keeping with The Ark theme.  They were delicious!!

To balance the sweets, Erika also created a lovely fruit tray.  I'm glad I got a picture of it because it wasn't long before the fruit vanished!

At first 19-month-old Maggie was a little shy about joining in the fun, so Jenni stayed with her in a quiet corner while talking to Papa and Josh's coworker, Julie.  Maggie eventually warmed up and had a great time.

19-month-old Etta had a blast riding down the huge slide on her mommy's lap.

Here's Zoey, fresh off the slide and ready for another run.  The jungle gym is huge and constructed such that adults can use it, too.  Participants must climb and go through obstacle courses to get to the slide, which is 3 or 4 stories high.  Behind Zoey are 32-weeks'-pregnant trouper Jenni, finishing her sliding run, and little Etta.

The nursery gym was a little more Maggie's speed.  Here she is sliding with Jenni as Ruby awaits her turn.

Monday was Leo's actual birthday, and the family enjoyed a pizza dinner and lots of fun at his home.  One whole wall in the family room was decorated with cards and birthday tributes.  Along with Leo, his parents, and his sister Etta, those helping to make his birthday a happy event were Aunty Jenni, Uncle Dave, Zoey, Ruby, Maggie, Grandma Kit, Papa, and Grammy.

Leo and Erika eagerly awaited the first present to open. (sorry I forgot to fix "red eye" on this one)

Sweet Etta loved helping celebrate her brother's big day.

All the kids "helped" Leo with his gift wrap deconstruction.

Ruby had a good time driving Etta's car around the living room, with Maggie in the background.

And Maggie just had a good time playing with a different cache of toys than she's accustomed to at home.

Happy birthday to my very favorite grandson, Leo Joshua!!!

"40 days til Baby Cribby is due!"

**Next up: Mo gets a big girl tricycle!!  Check back September 18!

And watch soon for my coming post which will follow a very eagerly anticipated trip to Disney World Oct. 5-8. Some long-time favorite high school girlfriends are meeting for a weekend of fun at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, and I'm sure there will be lots of pictures to post when I get home.