"The Party of The Year"

Nora had a big week. She turned seven and got her ears pierced.

Then she got a pedicure and manicure with Mommy. While all the boys fled to College Station.

They wanted to avoid the party - the "Year of Celebrations" party (inspired by Jill and Jasmine).

When the guests arrived, we made Valentines!

Then played a little and had a scrumptious gourmet dinner.
By then it was April! Easter! The girls had to use photo clues and work in teams to find the eggs hidden around the house. They had so much fun.... and worked up so much excitement.....

that this was necessary.

Then it was time to make some firework art using straws, white paint, and glitter! This was followed by two rounds of Black Cats and one parachute man firework left over from the real Fourth!

Before we knew it, it was Halloween! This meant Trick or Treat bags....

Masks.....

and Trick or Treating!!!! (thanks to my lovely neighbors)

A few moments later..... it was November. We had a leaf fight and made some little foam turkeys.

Thankfully, Santa came to reward all the girls for a good year.
After decorating the tree, everyone got a present! There were birthday presents under the tree, too!

Nothing follows Christmas like Masked-Cake-Eating.

And this is the piece that Nora chose.

Finally, we got on PJs and then with hats, beads, noisemakers and poppers (and in an apparently fatigued state in which I forgot to take pictures), we celebrated the New Year! We had so much fun. We sang happy birthday to each girl as we counted the months passing. The girls all slept in the TV room and were out by.... oh... 11:45 or so. Except Anna. She needed to finish the movie. 1:08 a.m., I think. Oh my.

Happy Birthday, Nora!