Birthday Extravaganza!

We had a great time in New York this weekend, helping Tommy to celebrate his 6th birthday and T.A. and Tina celebrate their (well more than 6th) birthday.

In the interest of saving gas, Rob decided to take the teeny tiny Civic and DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT (well, you know, ALMOST the speed limit.)

We discovered that by driving 60 to 63 for the entire trip and back we saved a good quarter tank of gas. However, we also discovered that my bladder is much more primed for 70 mph or more. :) Oh, the trade-offs we make in life!

The party was a lot of fun and Hannah and Lizzie just LOVED playing with their cousins. Brenna seems to adore her Uncle Bob, while pretty much barely tolerating Aunt Tracy. Everytime I checked to see what Rob/Bob was doing, Brenna was taking him on a walk or talking to him. Once, when he was sitting on the deck, Brenna was banging on the glass slider door trying to get his attention. Clearly she doesn't yet understand that AUNT TRACY is the one who picks out all cool and expensive gifts .... but whatever ... she'll learn. :)

Here are some photos...

Tommy blowing out the candles on his pirate cake:

Here's a close-up of the cake (which was delicious, by the way!)

The kids all got to go on a treasure hunt and then paint their own personal treasure box, into which they put their treasure. Hannah and Lizzie both collected 5 pieces of treasure, which Rob promptly put in the bank and told them they could have when they retired...

After the party Tommy opened his presents (Hannah and Lizzie gave him a tent) and there seemed to be a Star Wars theme. Here he is wearing his stormtrooper suit (NOT A COSTUME, PEOPLE!) with his groupies.

Here's just a nice picture of Hannah, Tommy and Lizzie. Brenna was being camera-shy...Until, of course, we let her sit with Uncle Bob...