Mataya Hope-y girl had such a fun birthday party this weekend! I had expected her to be shy, but she surprised me! She had a wonderful time exploring both her guests and her gifts. She took on her "duty" of Party Princess with grace and sweetness. It was a precious time.
"Do you hear that? This toy talks!"
This little Aunti-to-be LOVES playing with babies. She was thrilled that her new baby has eyes that open and close!
We have been reading her new books from cousins Lincoln and Ben all day!
She's leaning in to kiss the baby.
She loves to say "baby." Then she rocks it side to side and says "rocka! Momma rocka!" So, I sing Rock-a-Bye Baby while Mataya sways and smooches her dolly. It is pure preciousness.
Joshua stayed by her side every moment of the gift opening, which was one reason she remained so brave. Big brothers help with bravery! He joyously unwrapped her gifts. He (with Grandma's help) then put them together. He is an amazing big brother.
Although we are not usually a cake family, you can not turn one without cake! So momma baked and mixed frosting, and Brenna decorated the cupcakes. My Brenna-girl does great work!
Brenna has such an artistic eye for color and arrangement.
This time we sang and clapped softly - and Mataya didn't cry!
Birthday cake is YUMMY!!!!
We also served berries - blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries; which are Mataya's very favorite foods. We drank pink punch (raspberry sherbet mixed with 7-Up) with pink paper straws. Mataya thought it was the yummiest thing ever. And really - everything tastes better out of a pink straw, right?!?
The guest list included:
Honorary Auntie Sharlene and Angie
Ra-Ra and Krissy
(Great) Auntie Robin
Cousin Caitlin
Auntie Emily and Cousin Lexi
Nenna and cousin Adrianna
Grammy and Grandma Great Hoff
Josha
Uncle Chad
Jaaaay!
Devin, Krissy, and Mataya's nephew-to-be
Not pictured: Daddy, Grandpa Scott, Grandma Donna
