aubrey's birthday and a sleepover

Aubrey Jane turned 6 in June and we celebrated with a family birthday party at Grandma and Papa's house!  The photo props were a big hit...

While the kids had fun with the props, Uncle Kevin held sweet Emery.  He hasn't held her much during this whole pandemic since he is exposed to quite a few people at work, but Melanie was comfortable with him holding her.  I love the way she's looking at him :)

The kids were eager to get to the piñata, and it was definitely entertaining to watch, haha.

Brooke's powerhouse swing even caused her to completely turn around a few times!

We enjoyed a yummy lunch together, and then it was time for presents!!  (And an Emery nap.) 

I think Colby looks so much like Aubrey in this picture.  Their hair even looks the exact same shade of blonde with the same tiny highlights!

A few days before Aubrey's party, Jerry texted us asking if we could take a "casual family picture" by the swing. He might be getting worse than me about asking for pictures at every single get together, haha.  But the picture did turn out pretty nice...

By about 2 o'clock, Kevin and I headed out on an anniversary weekend getaway.  Grandma and Papa had offered to watch the kids overnight at their house, and we were all excited for a special weekend! Shortly after we left, Melanie sent me these pictures of Brooke and Emery.  She said that the moment she asked Brooke if she wanted to hold Emery, Brooke went straight to the bathroom to wash her hands, then spent the next hour holding her, playing with her, reading to her, etc.  I ADORE how much she adores her tiny cousin. 

Grandma taught all the kids to make their own pizzas, which looked super fun.  Auntie Mel Mel was sending me picture updates throughout the evening.

Brooke invited her cousins to spend the night as well, so all four of the big kids slept over at Grandma's. Our kids have never slept over there without us, so I wondered how Colby would do, but they said he fell asleep quickly and slept all night without a problem.  All four of the kids were lined up in twin aerobeds across the living room floor, so I'm kind of amazed that they slept so well. 

When we came back on Sunday afternoon to get them, they both begged to stay another night :) I guess that means it was a success, right?  Thanks a million, Grandma and Papa.