Now we are (almost) 9

The girls didn't want a birthday cake this year; they wanted cupcakes.
So cupcakes they got.




(Thanks, Nana, not just for the cupcakes but the clever decorating!)

The bad thing about having a Memorial Day birthday is that most of your friends are out of town during the long weekend. Laura's in New York. Jasmine's in South Dakota. Miki's at a cousin's graduation. Mac wasn't quite sure where she was going to be, but she knew she wouldn't be here. Etc. This happens every year. We tried once to have a kiddy birthday party during Memorial Day weekend, but only got one RSVP. Now we know better, and will wait until summer vacation to have the friends' birthday party.

The good thing about having a Memorial Day birthday is that your family makes plans to travel to you. Being almost-9, it's no longer quite as fun to hang out with one's grandparents, aunts, and uncles instead of one's friends, but cupcakes and pre-actual-birthday loot make up for that.




(That's a lot of loot.)

The girls were delighted with their haul, but two gifts in particular made them squeal with delight: a gi-normous jewelry making kit for Morgan, and a chemistry set for Emma, both courtesy of Grandma and Papa.


(Did anyone get a picture of Morgan with her jewelry kit? Somehow, we didn't. If you did, will you please send us a copy?)

Unfortunately, Morgan was feeling the combined after-effects of a wild 24 hours out on the town with Uncle Matt and Auntie Jenn just the day before (Chuck E. Cheese! candy! vanilla pancakes! candy!) plus birthday party fare (chips! hot dogs! gallons of lemonade! cupcakes!) and took one of her new books and put herself to bed promptly after the last guest left.

Emma, who had been dying to rip open the chemistry set and blow something up, strapped on her safety goggles,




enlisted Daddy's help,


and went to work.

I'm glad to report that the house is still standing.

(If you hear a big "BOOM!" and see a plume of dust and smoke in our area, call for help, OK?)