And the birthday weekend continues

On Sunday afternoon (the 2nd) we had a celebration for Gemma, complete with cake and ice cream and balloons and birthday hats (all things that Gemma had personally requested for the day.) and a few relatives and friends. "Happy Birthday, Gemma!" she proudly and happily announced whenever she saw a balloon all weekend. Thank you, Mom G, for making this an Amazing Weekend for Gemma.

the cupcake cake that Nonna made - so cute!

 She tried...but decided the candles were "hot", so in the end her friends Owen and Sasha and Cora and Neal helped her blow them out.

The family cheering her on; can she blow those candles out? (And how cool is this: how many 2 year olds get to have 1st cousins-once-removed & 2nd cousins & a great-uncle and grandparents at their birthday party?!)

Cousin Carol with fiance Tim, now living in Wheaton - only a few weeks to go now until wedding day

our good friends Tad & Amber, whose 4 kids Gemma absolutely loves to play with

"more cake and ice cream", Nonna!

Gemma, Cora and Sasha loved playing in the tree house together

Even Joel (a junior at Wheaton) came over!

And now: a few more pics from Monday, our final day in town. Highlights for Gemma was lots of one-on-one time with Nonna while us others went to Jos A Bank to pick out a new suit for Jim. Yikes. Awesome. Bring on the professional world! Soon! (we hope)

Here's Gemma displaying one of her favorite new toys - a fairy barbie doll (I think it's Tinkerbell) and some necklaces from cousin Ruth. Gemma has recently become intrigued by the story of Thumbelina, and so this doll got named "Thumbelina". And sorry, this shot of Granddad was taken just after coming in from yard work.

Gemma sitting quietly and calmly (!) on Granddad's lap during our last dinner

Fun and ROWDY times singing & playing with Nonna

What better way to end a humid day than with a romp through the sprinkler! 

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Gemma's other new favorite toy is from Nonna - baby doll accessories, including this front carrier and baby stroller. She loves to take her baby out for a walk. All good prep for being a Big Sister soon!

yes, that is a turtle! Belonging to Cassel cousins around the corner.