A Playgroup Birthday Party

Today was our third annual playgroup birthday celebration, and boy was it crazy!!! Of course, it started off like any other playgroup day while the kids got excited greeting each other as each new face arrived. They spent some time playing, running around and acting generally nuts. Then they realized there was food (which is not a usual playgroup provision, unless it's lunch packed by mom). Like vultures, the kids began to swarm. Cries of "I want chips!" "Where's my juicebox?" "I see cupcakes!" "Crackers and cheese, please!" soon drowned out any conversations moms may have been having. So, lunch of a sort was served.

After lunch we started the birthday festivities where one of our moms (who is a fourth-grade teacher) managed to successfully gather all 9 of our nearly-3-year-olds (as well as 2 18-month-olds, one 1-year-old and 4 baby siblings--Yes, that's a total of 16 children!) for a group story, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. After the story, each kid got to pick a present, which of course brought many smiles and cheers. We all brought a wrapped book and that way it didn't matter who chose which gift--they'd all be getting the same thing.

Finally it was time for the big event: CUPCAKES!!!!

You want to know how to get 9 nearly-3-year-olds to stay in one spot? Put a cupcake in front of them and tell them they have to stay in that place to eat it, or it will be taken away. Works like a charm and provides ample time for photo opportunities. It's amazing what a year can do for cupcake eating skills. Last year we laughed and laughed at the hands, faces and general messes our kids made with the cupcakes--but this year they were pros. Licking icing with delicacy and consuming the tasty treats with grace. Can you believe they even asked nicely for napkins--without any prompting! What big boys and girls we have now--and how tremendously quickly these last 3 years have gone. We're so thankful to still have these friends from birth--literally. (we all met just days after our babies were born at the hospital's breastfeeding support group)

Disclaimer: Lest you feel injustice was done to younger siblings, please be assured that those old enough to eat solids were also given cupcakes. The proof is in Isaac's frosting mustache. Please, no emails regarding cruelty to siblings.