Look Who's SEVEN

Our baby is SEVEN! When she arrived in 2002, that brought our count to 4 kids -- ages 5 and under! I'll give you a minute to digest that and/or express your sympathies. We definitely had our hands full, and sometimes I wonder how we managed! But then I watch an episode of Jon & Kate Plus Eight, and I think I had it easy. It's all a matter of perspective, isn't it?

We celebrated Natalie's birthday at the house on President's Day, as the kids had the day off from school. On a sidenote, I think the presidents would be even more honored if the kids were in school as much as possible...... I'm an education nut that way.

Back to Natalie, she wanted a Valentine's theme party, since she was born on Feb. 15. Talk about an EASY party to plan! We did a couple Valentines games, whacked a heart shaped pinata, and called it a day. And she absolutely LOVED it.

Mommy & Daddy got her a Leapster, which she liked ALMOST as much as this NOISY piano toy (whose batteries are likely to be removed in the dark of night)





This Color Explosion toy is awesome -- courtesy of Aunt Amy!

Here's Natalie, getting ready to take on the pinata, remniscent of a Westside Story scene.

Both big sisters baked & decorated the cake & cupcakes.

The kids loved this simple game, trying to drop conver- sation hearts into a vase below.

They also played "Pass the Valentine" -- sort of like Musical Chairs. We were mindful of Kate (in the wheelchair), and wanted to play games that all the guests could participate in.

The moral of the story? You don't have to spend a lot or be super fancy for the kids to have a GREAT time.

And after popping a few Tylenol, I even enjoyed the party as well!