party

Kate's birthday was Feb. 7 and in true Berkowood Underwitz fashion we had a few celebrations throughout the week. We made cupcakes for her art class, had my brother and parents over for pizza, cake, and presents the night of Feb. 7th. She also brought cupcakes to nursery school (one of her most favorite places on earth) and finally we had a bigger party at the park the following Sunday. I asked her to list the friends that she wanted at the party...and seriously she did it. She listed everyone I could imagine and more, and almost everyone showed up. She is so well-loved. The youngest guest was Alex at 9 months, and the oldest guest was a close family friend Jo at 97. Birthday parties are actually one of the only things that make me anxious, I see adorable pictures of thematic bday parties and I don't think I could pull them off if my life depended on it. But then I always realize that all I need for a good party is A. great food B. good company C. Room for kids to run, and jump, and play, and D. A little bit of alcohol.
Kate asked for her party to be at the park and Adam and I were stoked. No bouncy house. No costs to use. Just food and a bit of wine and we are good to go.
My sister came over the morning of and played with the big kids while Adam and I charged our way through the kitchen. I walked into my kitchen at 6am and seriously didn't step foot out until 11ish. 5 dozen cupcakes, Kale and brussel sprout salad, Orzo salad, and lots of yummy cheese, veggie, hummus snacks. Adam was a rock star in the kitchen...have I mentioned how much I love him lately?

Ready to get the party started...and look Mike is awake!

Nice food spread...

Ready for her big day

We are in our best clothes too..

Celebrating the night of real bday

We are soooo lucky that both my siblings live on the coast and are a HUGE part of our kids' lives.

The birthday queen herself!

Loving her big present from mommy and daddy...her very own princess fairy castle. All three kids have played with this toy a lot!

Charlie continued his great skill of picking our gifts for loved ones and told me a few months ago he wanted to get Kate a pink skateboard. So we looked online together secretly, found this one and bought it. He kept the secret which is better is a trait he obviously doesn't get from me.

Every single gift she took the time to open, play with and admire..this was true after her bigger party too...where she racked in an obscene amount of presents.

Her first set of legos from mama and pa. And I was quite impressed and surprised when she managed to build both sets mostly by herself.

A special morning treat the day of...

Uncle Josh got Kate her very own ergo, just like mommys. She LOVES it. And so do I!

She also received so many books which is the best gift since she is such a book worm!

Again, she seriously tried on, read or played with each toy right after she opened it. Here she is wearing a cute outfit from Auntie Brooke and trying on her new shoes from Nonnie.

This was Kate in a nutshell at her party. She ran around happily for almost three hours. There were so many kids and all of them seemed to be really happy and played really well together the entire party.

Climbing with a leaf in her hair. I love this girl.

Excited about her hula hoop from one of her best friends, and by the way you should watch Charlie rock this hula hoop. It is insane.

Two things to notice. Most importantly, I have amazing friends and truly LOVE my community. Less importantly why is it that every pic of me I am in midst of some f-ed up face. I guess I know where Kate gets all her expressions from.
Kate and some of her good friends. Sidenote: I make amazing vegan cupcakes. Yes, that is right. My facial expression during pics suck, but my cupcakes do not disappoint. All vegan. All organic, with not too much oil or sugar.

My dad and Josh and Bethany. Love these men in my life.