Par-tay!

Last Sunday was Henry's big birthday party.  We had about 20 people over to celebrate the big day, including all of Henry's lady friends (he's the only boy in his cohort of friend-cousins).  Luckily Uncle Eric was in town to help me prepare food for that many people.  Henry put on a good show, smiling for everyone and generally being adorable.  He looked somewhat confused but did not freak out when everyone sang to him. 

Hey, fire!  Can I eat it?

 We got cupcakes from my favorite cupcake truck.  Henry had carrot cake and dutifully smushed it . . . into his chest. 

Tasting the cake with a little assistance.

Poison!  It's poison!

Oh, wait.  It's not poison.  It's related to that glorious sugary stuff you fed me on Halloween.  More!

Keira and Olivia (aka The Big Girls) came to the party -- note Keira's exquisite four-year-old sense of what constitutes festive attire -- and Henry was quite content to run around holding their hands.  I think they think we produced this child solely for them to play with.

He has started coming in for a hug and a brief shoulder snuggle when he needs a rest.  It's delicious.

Opening presents with Dad.  We got a lot of great new books, some cars and trucks, and some delightfully loud presents from people who don't live in this house. 

Henry was a delightful host and had a great time, though the party was probably more for the parents than for the kid (and from the volume of beer and mimosas consumed, I'd say our friends agreed).  It was really fun to celebrate a great year with all of the DC people that have shared it with us. 

This officially concludes the birthday festivities.  On to Thanksgiving!