Parker's Birthday Extravaganza

Have you ever been to Tucson? It's kinda ugly, and kinda boring. However, us Jones kids now have a fun reason to visit...more Jones kids! Last weekend we all went down to Tucson for Parker's 4th birthday party and to see the cuteness that is Jake and Natalie's new house. Needless to say, it was a fun night filled with delicious food, lots of cute kids, and lots of pictures taken by yours truly.

So, here is the night in picture form:

The birthday boy!

He was really excited about his cake, I promise, especially since it was so very delicious.

Sara holding Chase, who we think was meant to be a triplet with her twin boys.

Me with the sweetheart Parker. I can't believe how big he's getting and how well he's doing. And not to toot my own horn, but he seriously loves me, or at least smiles whenever I talk to him, which I'm taking to mean, "Aunt Miss, you're my favorite."

Philip and Nate, both looking um, darling...? Amy taking a turn with the accordion, and Nate being mesmerized by the amazing music coming out.

Mom and Noelle being cute.

This is probably my favorite picture of 2009, because Oakley LOVED the accordion. The best part is how horribly annoying it was, and that Sara sent that to Caleb several years ago for his birthday solely to annoy Jake and Nat. I told Natalie that perhaps Oakley needs it for Christmas, and that turnabout is fair play. (Is that the phrase?)

I'm going to be a good mom, "Here Nate, play with this plastic cup that can break and produce sharp edges." He was happy though and that's what counts right?

Parker and Jake opening presents

And heaven forbid we end without one of these...

Thanks Jake and Nat for having us all over and feeding us! And happy birthday to our sweet Parker boy!

P.S. Natalie just told a bit about Parker's arrival to the world on their blog. Once again, be prepared to get emotional. I love my family.

The progression

Today as I was cleaning my house, and dusting in our bedroom, I dusted the frame that houses this picture. Apparently we were like 5 and 7 when it was taken, and have aged A LOT in the past 5 years. But then it made me think, how many pictures have we taken like this? And therefore, I give you the progression of "Excited on Splash Mountain" picture.

December 2004

July 2007

May 2008

March 2009

These pictures crack me up. We always do Splash Mountain first, so we are always REALLY excited about it, as shown by at least one of us having excited forehead wrinkles in every picture. Being together for a long time kind of rocks. And taking the same picture every year rocks hard.

The twinners.

I'm not sure that cuter babies currently exist.

Nate:

Reese: These boys are too funny with their very different and very distinct personalities. And besides when Nate scowls at you (which is all the time) they really are the nicest babies ever. Do you want to hear their whole story? Sara finally told about what they went through to get these babies here on her blog. Here's the link.

P.S. You might get emotional. Or maybe that was just me, and is always me.

I want, no no, I NEED...

I need this jacket ASAP, though I'm nervous that the sleeves would be too short on me (story of my life).

I also need her hips, and I'm thinking about needing boots, though I don't have specifics yet. And if I can't get them ASAP, I'll take them for my birthday instead.

And rest assured, a birthday list will soon be posted, it is in 40 days you know. :)