Elena Turns Three!

Last week we celebrated Elena's birthday with a party for five guests and a little shindig for the family.

Ellie helped in the preparations by decorating her cupcakes.


At her party on Saturday, the adults were all amazed as the kids gathered quietly at the table to eat egg salad sandwiches, hot dogs, and fruit.

Twins Champa and Champei (or is it Champei and Champa?), Charlie (whose 3rd birthday party was the next day), Elsa, Ellie, and Cepheus

After a snack, we all went outside for an animal hunt in the yard. We hid little plastic butterflies and assorted animals in the grass and trees and had the kids go searching.


Then we retired to the shade, where we decorated plastic flower pots with stickers and planted flower seeds.


Next it was back inside for cake!

Yum!

Hey, I'm trying to eat chocolate here!

We opened lots of gifts--both from her party guests and also from family. Her new Elmo doll (Ben got one, too) was a big hit.