Celebrating For the First Time

Last night we celebrated Anastasia's birthday. Mom, Mom, and Matt also happen to have October birthdays too so it was one big celebration!

We hung out at home until our reservations. Marie Callender's is one of the few places that lets us phone ahead which makes it an ideal place for our size party. Since we all took four cars and some of the kids rode with other family members, we didn't get an immediate head count in the van. As I was slowly driving away, I looked in the rear view mirror to make sure everyone was there and that is when I saw Caleb chasing after us. I backed up to the house as three more kids climbed into the van. Embarrassed and angry at myself for letting this happen I tried to see the funny side of it. Ha ha--- maybe in a few years. At least we never left the cul-de-sac.
Needless to say we were the last of the party to get to the restaurant. Not a big deal.
Once we were all there we began ordering. Many of the kids got the all-you-can-eat salad bar. Paul got the Thanksgiving dinner only to find out he didn't like stuffing or their mashed potatoes. Adam of course got the pot pie!

Anastasia had fun making her salad!

After we took a picture with the birthday girl, we made our rounds and took pictures with everyone else.

Rachel and Cousin Jenn

The staff at the restaurant sang Happy Birthday with us!

Anastasia was so overwhelmed-- either that or she wanted to relish this moment forever that she forgot to blow out her candles. We had to playfully remind her.

It was such a pleasure watching Anastasia open her gifts. She gave each one lots of thought and couldn't stop smiling.

She got a little bit of everything-- lip gloss, money, bubbles, barbies, stickers, crafts, bracelets, a doll, and a MP3 player.

A few years ago, a blogger friend named Carla sent us this adorable doll because she thought it looked like Dennis. It was so special that I put it away and recently found it in the midst of packing. I knew without a doubt that it was time for this lovely doll to be held and played with. And it felt right giving it to Anastasia who I know will take care of it.

Later in the evening, Rachel's big doll was gotten out for Sveta. Remember how I shared about Anastasia and Sveta's special bond. Well, it is even closer now that they both have beautiful babies to play with.

Adam loaded up lots of songs to Anastasia's MP3 player so that she could listen to it right away. She was so happy to get it because it was the number one thing she asked for-- with Barbie's next on her list. Anastasia may be 12 but she is very much going to be our little girl for a long time-- and John and I are so okay with that.

What a great picture with Cousin Matt and Jenn!