Little friends and family joined Austen in celebrating her 2nd birthday with “A Few of [Her] Favorite Things” (Austen loves the Sound of Music soundtrack). Although Grandpa Earl didn’t make it, Uncles Mark and Tod and their families were in attendance, as well as Auntie Heather and Cousin Connie. Grandma Mimi, Grandpa and Chacha helped out with party preparations, and much of the Rana family came, including Princy and Ajit and their families. From Maryland, Becky West and her daughters Abby and Daisy came.
Most all of Austen’s local friends were able to make it, many coming with both their parents. Aaron, Timmy, Dean, Drew, Jack, Mia, Riley, Natalie, Nick, Sam, and Connor. (Gabbie, Katie, and Ryan could’t make it.) The day started off great with the arrival of the jumpy castle and balloons. Mama and Grandma Mimi scrurried to get the food and decorations ready. When Cousin Morgan arrived, the jumping began. Austen jumps for hours on end (and even way into the night, until her beloved jumpy castle was returned). All the kids seemed to enjoy the castle — Mama, Dada and some of the other adults tried some jumpies too. The kids’ parents complimented the Indian food and the yellow, purple and green castle birthday cake. (Kandie, from next door, wanted to eat the spires. She, and Nicole and Amanda and Aavanna, our other neighbors, joined us for the festivities.)