Happy, happy, happy birthday!

We've never had a real birthday party for Ruby. Her birthday falls at the end of a three month birthday marathon and we've been in Ohio for the past two years. Since this was her last year as an only child and lots of our family was going to be in California, we decided to go all out. She actually ended up having three birthday celebrations and loved every minute of every one.

On her actual birthday, she spent the day with cupcakes, a new play house, visitors and more cupcakes. Thank goodness so many people were in town visiting or I would've been inside the play house all day as well.










That weekend we had a Jessie/Cowboy themed birthday party at a local park (now called the birthday park). Thanks to Auntie Caitlin and our family, it turned out fantastic. All our favorite people were there, the weather was perfect and the food was delicious.



Even though it was going to be a busy day, we had so much family in town we made a reservation at Nola for birthday dinner. I don't think of Nola as a family restaurant but my neighbor said it's great for kids. They were right! They brought beads and a snack for Ruby right away. They have a great kids menu which includes plain, steamed broccoli and make your own ice cream sundae. Ruby was thrilled when Uncle Kevin taught her how to drink the melted ice cream through a straw.



Ruby still talks about her birthday and the parties. My guess is that she'll be expecting it every year now. That's not so bad considering I might just be planning to do it every year =)