Late check-in, rush

Famous Amos birthday breakfast
m&m's in the hand
the four year cake
got 'em all

the doll chalet/condo

The Family Party
party girl prima Frida
the after party

Late check-in, rush, was always stamped on my checked luggage after I would arrive, breathless, at the check-in counter minutes before my scheduled flight was to take-off. So it is not totally out of character that I am late with this check-in about Magdalena's birthday. I'm still getting the hang of this blog thing and in an attempt to edit the photos I uploaded I completely deleted this already done post. We'll get this thing yet!

I awoke, Monday morning the 16th of July, 4 years after the arrival of Magdalena June Barnas, to my sweet little home and my babies in bed with me. What more could I ask for? Snuggled in bed with two of the most divine creatures on the planet? Well breakfast at a diner, that's what! We started the day at Famous Amos with pancakes and sausage and bacon and biscuits, fake syrup and all! And as if the kids weren't sugared up enough, the hostess brought them peanut m&m treats for breakfast.

I think Magdalena really gets the concept of this as a special day this year. After Famous Amos, we went to do a little shopping for party dresses and a special outfit for Augustus, then to the grocer, then home to bake a special order cake designed by Magdalena with help from a photo of a cake that she saw months ago and posted on the fridge as inspiration along with random gift openings throughout the day. I tried to convince her to wait to open all the gifts at once with papa, but she couldn't resist the packages that had arrived from her special NM aunties and California Jess, now LA Jess.

After papa came home we got the party started! Tacos by request from the birthday girl for dinner with Sadie's Salsa imported from NM, and Mexican Crema, that insanely delicious sweet sour cream that is all fat and corn syrup and carageenan gum, yum yum! Then the oh-so-special cake that I actually bought a stand for because I just couldn't bake that cake and put it on a cutting board covered in foil, horrors! All kinds of ice cream and candles and birthday wishes, more pressies from family, then the big surprise, the doll house/chalet/condo! Puuurrre joy!

We had the big family birthday party on Sunday with Tita, Maco and Frida, Abuela, Tito Chuchi and Aunt Su-su. More party all the time party all the time. It is truly a blessing to live near family, that's my favorite gift. Thanks Ethan!