Happy Birthday Jayci!

While Darrin's brother & his family were in town from North Carolina, we took the opportunity to celebrate our niece's birthday. Jayci turned 7 & a surprise birthday party on Saturday seemed like a great idea.  While we waited for everyone to arrive, we played a little football and listened to music on the patio.

Then, we ate pizza and cake & ice cream...

The birthday girl was a little shy while we were singing to her...

All of Granny & Pa's grandkids....Miles, Jayci, Ava, Olivia, and Rowan.  That a lot of blue eyes...

After Jayci opened a few presents...

...we attempted a group picture with the self timer.  Not bad...

The kids played for hours...

...and stayed up way too late.  

After a fun night of food, games, and lots of laughs, the kids piled on a pallet in the living room.  It was the first time to have Darrin's parents, his brother & his wife, Aaron & Jessica, and his sister & her husband, Crystal & Steve, and all the kids spend the night at once. Nights like this are why we have a four bedroom house for the three of us. Having people over is our thing.

We woke up early to make french toast and sausage cream cheese casserole for breakfast.  

Granny & Pa were the last ones to leave. Miles asked them to stay while we took down the Christmas decorations. He asked in the sweetest way that made it impossible for Granny to say no. We took down the decorations in record time while Miles and Granny played.  It's often hard to coordinate so many busy schedules but I am hopeful we can host everyone again in the not so distant future.