birthday week

With both kids' birthdays in February, it is a month of celebrations. Sam turned 1 on the 14th and Josie turned 3 on the the 19th. Sam is really growing up. He is beginning to take steps on his own, climbs on everything, growls like a lion, and will sit and "read" books by himself for extended periods of time. Although Sam's "party" was pretty simple, Josie's felt like the big leagues for us. We did cupcakes and singing at school, and then we did a "jungle party" on Saturday--complete with masks, balloons and streamers, lots of games, a "safari" on the terrace with binoculars, and even cupcakes with green grass frosting. At 3 years old, she is feeling quite grown up. She loves doing everything by herself (especially dressing herself), does lots of imagination time with her stuffed animals (complete with drama and dialogue), and she especially loves visitors.
 
While Sam demolished his birthday cupcake, Josie daintily licked the frosting--as she does every time

Cupcakes at school - such a big treat

 

3-year-old birthday party in NY in the winter--fortunately it was warm enough to be outside for the safari on the terrace (they're holding up the animals they found) and we had a picnic inside afterwards