Playing Catch Up - Labor Day

I still can't quite believe that I never got around to blogging about Labor Day weekend. It was a such a good weekend - that actually started the week before - filled with family, fun and parties! It all started because Mom had a big birthday this year, and Labor Day weekend was when our whole family was able to gather to celebrate. Then we were moving to NC around that same time, along with a good chunk of our possessions, and Lacey came up with her kids to spend the week while JT traveled. Needless to say it was a full house, but we all managed to survive - and even have a little fun. Here's a quick little photo recap of some of the highlights.

First of all, it was the first time that I got to meet my new niece, Charlotte. Though she couldn't really 'do' much yet, she was pretty popular. Eliza would check out Charlotte every time Charlotte hung out in the bouncer. (or maybe Eliza just wanted to reclaim the bouncer for herself - she had a blast climbing into and out of it when it was empty). And Aunt Katie loved meeting Charlotte (and Eliza) and even showed Charlotte how to text!
We threw a sort-of surprise party for mom and invited lots of friends. It was a sort-of because we planned it ahead of time, but did give her a couple days advance notice. I made special boston cream pie cupcakes for the party and we had plenty of good barbecue to share as well. I think we all enjoyed the party, especially the food.


Besides the party, we also got a special cake for Mom in honor of her birthday. It was delicious and so cute. There were stick figures of all her family members on it, plus the words: Live, Laugh, Love. Did I mention it was yummy?

In honor of Mom's birthday, we also arranged for a special BOAT RIDE on Jordan Lake. I'm hoping to do a blog just on the boat ride, so here's just a couple pics to give you an idea.

on the boat

off the boat

There was one other special birthday celebration that weekend as well - Sept 4th is Granma Jane's real birthday. So we all went down to Southern Pines to help her celebrate. The girls even got to wear special party dresses. I think Charlotte and Great Granma Jane really hit it off, since they picked matching outfits!

The rest of the time, there was a little less partying, but still lots of fun. Watching Hayden and Jay together was a blast. There were bike rides...
a trip to the Museum of Life and Science, complete with train ride...

Hayden introduced Jay to her special roll-on bath soap...

Poppop got lots of attention and hugs...

Including a double grandkid send off each morning as he headed to work...

Sand play in a sled (Grandma is so creative!)...

Orange food consumption...
And even snuggles with Daddy when he came back from his trip.

And of course, since it was a family reunion weekend, there were several family photo ops.

It was a busy weekend but lots of fun. All mom asked for was to have all of us together - and she sure got it ! Happy Birthday Mom/Grandma!