Joie's Backyard Bash

We seriously need to edit the birthday traditions around here.  Anyone else feel like it's been Christmas for 3 months straight?

And we manage to drag the celebrations on over a week.

Joie's birthday was a week ago.  Her friend party was tonight.

But it must be fun, or we wouldn't do it.  If there's a reason to have a party, we're there!

Exhibit A:

Friends

Exhibit B:

Presents

And as many girly-girl things as could be imagined...

Even more girly-girl things...  Her friends know her well!

Exhibit C:

The best blowing-out-candle picture I've ever seen

Exhibit D:

No pictures here, but imagine an awesome A-Z scavenger hunt.

And roasting s'mores would have been a blast, but the wind kicked up and since there was already a wild fire burning up on the mountain not far from us, we decided to douse our fire and make microwave s'mores and friendship bracelets instead.

And you should have heard the girl talk!  (Don't worry girls.  My lips are sealed.)

And now for the big announcement (drumroll please...)

Jarmans have finished the 2011 birthday season.  Yes, folks.  Our birthday marathon has come to an end.

Other announcements:

• Megan, Jeran and Joie all got into the local charter school we were hoping they'd get into.  Gabby is on the sibling priority list, but her elementary school is awesome so she may not move for a few more years.  
• Summer is winding down.  School starts too soon.
• I'm tired.
• And Gabby wins the award of the strongest 10 year old on the planet: 

Nate is easily double Gabby's weight...and that's uphill!

But she also got her turn:

Big brothers are good for something.