Lauren and Quinn's Jungle Birthday Party

Lauren has been talking about her "Jungle Party" for weeks now, so when the day arrived she was thrilled. Because the kids' birthdays are only six days apart, we combined the celebration with family to be a one-stop-shop for Quinn's first and Lauren's third birthday. Following are a bunch of photos for those of you who couldn't join the fun in person:

Jungle animal cupcakes were a little time-consuming, but a hit. We had giraffes, zebras, monkies, tigers and lions. They tasted good too. I got the ideas online.

Jay and I were up late the night before decorating. We hung green streamer strips around doorways and windows to look like jungle grass. It wasn't much, but set the party mood.

Love Wal-Mart for the jungle animal balloons. We had all the kids take one home too.   

This is where I take a moment to thank my man for finishing our basement and creating a fabulous party space.

Lauren with her party "wizzle."

Ready for the fun!

Lauren's buddy Stirling on the "monkey bars." It was a family party, but we consider Wilsons family and Lauren really sees Shannon as a surrogate mom since she tended her for awhile. We also had jungle noises and music playing in the background thanks to Stirling's dad, Clark. 

Playing jungle animals with Monet and Stirling. Lauren is hugging Monet who is a docile tiger.  

Playing jungle animal charades was a quick fun game.

Singing and blowing out the candles.

Claire, Stirling, Nieve, Lauren and Monet.

Nuie and "Cousin Baby" Anya 

Quinn starts his attack on his first cupcake tentatively, but built from there to make the traditional "first birthday cake" mess.

At presents time, Quinn wanted the plastic cup more than the cute soccer ball, books and whale onsie he got. Typical.  

Kites from the Wilsons.

Lauren loved her books from Shaunie and the Coleman kids. 

A highlight at presents was the tent and Dora Memory Game from mom and dad. Both presents were Black Friday finds. We had bought the tent in Reno two Thanksgivings ago, but waited to give it to Lauren and the Dora game we bought in Vegas last Thanksgiving. Lauren had seen it in the storage room several times and we told her to wait for her birthday, so she was really ready for it when she opened it. At the party, Kiera set up the tent and all the kids enjoyed playing in it.

Quinn received a ball, a kite and some books from family and his first "legos" from mom and dad (Vegas Black Friday). Bart got the tower started. Lauren and the other kids liked this present too. Quinn liked sitting in the container.

Becca, Pippa, Quinn, Mommy, Nuie and Anya. Quinn is six months older than his cousins, but about the same size.

Shaunie taking the opportunity to bond with Quinn. Lauren was so excited to have her and Bart at the party. They filled in as the grandparents since neither set could be at the party. My kids just LOVE her.  

Even though the faces don't show it, Claire and Lauren were having a ball playing in the tent and tunnel. It was so fun to have everyone and we look forward to next year!

Showered

All I can say is we are loved and we love our friends and family. I didn't think I had so many girly things until I started going through Lauren's stuff and realized there wasn't much in the neutral zone that could be used by baby brother - from blankets to clothes. Thanks to two fabulous showers by friends and family as well as cousin hand-me-downs from Jared and Dahlin, this baby is well prepared to work the nursery.

First, (put on your imagination caps because I shamefully didn't take any photos), my good friends Erica, Emily and Becky gave us a swanky couples shower at Thanksgiving Point. The shower was a cooking class taught in the Emporium Kitchen by Emily who taught us all how to make freezer dinners and then sent Jay and I home with what she made so we could have them after the baby was born - isn't that the greatest idea? We enjoyed gathering 10 of our closest friends and had such a great time. Even the boys had a good time until we opened presents and all the "oh how cute" came gushing out. The couples got to take home the beautiful floral centerpieces. It was far too classy of a night, but that's what I love about these girls - they try so hard to convince me I fit in with their excellent taste and I love feeling part of the cool kids. We received the cutest things and have a freezer full of food.

Then last Saturday, Shaunie, Nuie and Fof gave me a shower with the family. Shaunie's become the designated shower location and for good reason. She is a great hostess. The exception this time was the fabulous brunch was cooked by Chefs Greg and Bart. It was delicious.

Cute invite by Fof and Nuie

Who knew paper plates could be so cute? Only Nuie.

Nuie's handmade booties. She is so domesticated.

Annette and Tina came all the way down from Twin that day to join in the party. They spent the drive home thinking of names for us. So sweet.

We played a game about which characteristics we want the baby to have from Jay or I. My cousin Mel got every one right.

It was so fun to see everyone and we are so excited to put baby in all the adorable outfits and his new pack 'n play.

Last, but not least, Fof revealed her handmade quilt for baby's bed. Tools for Jay and minky for him. The cutest ever! We just need to choose a name so she can embroider it on. Maybe next week when they bring us the birth certificate.

Lauren the Blog Star

Check out my photographer friend's new Web site that gives step-by-step tutorials for creating cool effects in Photoshop and other photo tips: http://www.myphotographica.com. She used one of Lauren's first snow photos (see last post) to demonstrate some techniques this week.

She is the same photographer who took the new baby and one-year shots of Lauren. I wish I could afford her all the time. She is the difference between taking a photo and capturing a moment. I highly recommend her.

Play Date at the Park

Our friend Allison and her two cute little boys agreed to not only take Lauren for a play date yesterday, but hauled them all to the park. Lauren was in heaven! She loves swings right now and freaks out when you take her off. When Jay arrived at the park to pick her up after class, he pushed her until she looked like she was falling asleep. She still threw a fit. We have to enjoy these brisk days while they last. Soon the swings won't be an option. Thank you Allison!