a family affair

The previous first birthdays were all friends and no family. This time we had no friends and all family. It was heartwarming to have both sets of Felix's grandparents here to celebrate his big day ... but yes, I sure missed my friends. Parties and events and coffee dates and any combination of those were a huge part of our girlfriends group in Swift Current. We made sure to mark and celebrate all those big moments together - well, any excuse for coffee or cake or drinks and dinner out, right?! So it's been hard for me lately, knowing that my friends don't even know this little one year old person of mine. The boy they welcomed and celebrated in the beginning. They were missing this time and I felt it sharply as I look around for them a few times throughout the day. I often wonder when the ghosts of the life that was will leave me? ... I can't seem to shake them yet.

But don't misunderstand me, it was wonderful to have the family here. My parents had arrived a few days early for a long overdue visit and it was a big deal for Henry and Walter to wake up every morning and realize that Grandma and Frampa (no, not a misspelling ... that is what Walter calls his Grandpa!) were here for another day! My sister, Glen and the girls came over for Party Day and I know just having all five grandkids together was a highlight for everyone. It is so nice to have cousins their age for my boys to grow up with, I know I've said that before. Isla and Henry are little twins, Walter and Eden simply adore each other, and little Felix was just basking in everyone's attention, happy prince that he is. My Gramma came out too, bearing gifts of books for all the littles and promptly reading them all as requested. And then of course Nana and Grandad were here, taking in their second Cass-party in 2 months! The rainbow cake was a surprise for most everyone, the balloons of course were the funnest toy out of everything, and the kids would not all smile on cue for the group photos as much as we tried. Funny that. But it was a great party, just as Felix deserved. Little happy prince that he is.