Hood River For Girl's Lunch & Fun

After the fun and wild children's birthday party with 37 kids!!!!!  -- we girls took off for lunch and an afternoon of exploring Hood River, OR.  It is only about an hour drive east from my house, and is a lovely drive.  After a fun lunch at BRIAN'S POURHOUSE we walked around the charming town where we discovered a wine tasting room.  Then we walked along the river, where there were lots of wind surfers enjoying the sun and wind. 

A perfect day for showing our California friends a piece of Oregon. 

 

Cake Time At The PARTY

Ruby said "We can't have cake till they sing Happy Birthday to us!"   They were seated at a small table in the front of the room with the cakes, and inside that room were probably 60+ people (with all the kids and parents). 

 

 

As the crowd started singing, Carson suddenly got shy and put his head on his sister's shoulder for comfort.  I didn't see it because I was facing the other way, leading the singing.  One of Kristin's friends snapped this photo and put it on line and we captured it from her site.  I couldn't blow it up, but it shows Carson with his head on Ruby with Kristin lovingly watching.   (if you click on the picture it will enlarge it)

Kristin's friend, Suzanne, gave the twins this special  blue birthday candle that we weren't quite sure what it was going to do.  It kind of looked like it might turn into something BIG like a torch!!!!!   YIKES!   But  instead it opened up, shot off some sparklers, and played some music.  

 

After tasting all 3 cakes, the twins were getting really silly.  

 

True to form, Ruby was the last one left at the table, finishing her 3rd, piece of cake, much to her mother's chagrin.  Ah, gee, it's her birthday!!!! 

As I recall, Ruby was the last one left at the party table at their 4th birthday party, too. 

 

PLAYDATE PDX

The twin's 5th birthday party was held at Playdate PDX.  It is a wonderfully fun play place that is perfect for large (or small) parties.  Ruby and Carson wanted to invite "everyone", and EVERYONE came.  Casey said they didn't get one NO RSVP.  When all heads were counted, there were 37 children enjoying this play place. 

Here they are just before we went inside.  They had never been there before, so were really excited to see what it had for them to do.  (Carson decided on that headband himself!) 

I love how they are color coordinated with their birthday clothes. 

 

"Ahh, let my party begin."

 

Ruby and Sloan. 

 Sloan is just 3 months older and has been in Ruby's life since she was born.  Her mommy and Kristin worked together at Nordstrom.  These two 5 year olds are real fashion-princesses (like their mothers)

 Girls just want to have fun!!!!

 

 

This area was a fun musical, light show floor that provided lots of entertainment.  

 (notice that Carson decided to wear two different color socks to the party -- but color coordinated, of course!)

 

They even let adults inside the play structure.  Here Aunt Lindsey is joining in the fun!

 

Miss Ruby is dancing with our friend from California, Catherine.  Both Cat and her mother, Gretchen came up for the weekend of partying. 

 

I finally got to meet Kristin's co-worker, Suzanne. 

"Thanks for dropping by and good to meet you!"

 

While other kids were playing, this little missy was lovingly admiring the princess cake.  I just love the expression on her sweet face.  It is truly priceless.... 

Birthday Cakes

 

I knew this was the birthday I wanted to make Ruby a doll cake.  My mother had made many of them for me as a child, but it was my first time to attempt it.  I sure wished Mom was still around so she could have done it, or at least given me instructions. I did it from my memory of watching her.  It wasn't as wonderful as Mom's, but Ruby and all the little girls at her party loved the "Princess Cake"!  

 

 

I knew Carson would enjoy having a super hero on his cake.  He was delighted, and so were all the little boys at the party. 



 

The kids first saw the cakes outside the play place in Portland where we had their party.  I think their smiles says it all!  

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY TWINS ** 06-06-2008

Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.

 Proverbs 17:6

 

 

This was the very first moment we laid eyes on you, Ruby and Carson.  We had waited all day and all night for your arrivals.  You didn't even have names yet.  Your mommy and daddy announced your names to us later in the day, after your mommy was recovered enough to hold you.  You were the most precious bundles of love and joy that I could ever imagine.  It was LOVE at first sight -- and continues to grow each day, week, month and year.  I am truly TWICE BLESSED to be your Grandma and I give thanks to God above for sharing you with us.  You have blessed our families with your presence in our lives.    All of your grandparents and aunties (and nanny) and parents are working to train you up in the ways of the Lord, so that when you are old, you will not depart.  Grow is grace and love.  Be great in God's Kingdom.  You are truly loved. 

 

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY TO YOU PRECIOUS ONES!