The Party

There should be a whole series of photos of Ella preparing for Ida's party here--because it was a legendary undertaking, and she didn't get much help... But here's the birthday girl doing some gymnastics at the mighty Little Gym:

Miki has no fear.

Theo has some fear.

Elsie tried to get everyone to follow this "no tights, underwear showing out the bottom of the leotard" look, but Sara wasn't sure.  However, Sara caught a fever for gymnastics at the party.

Probably Ida's favorite part was that she sat up on this throne and opened presents.

The presents were okay, but really it was

That she got to sit up higher than all her guests.  She talked about this for quite a while.

And then I headed to Seattle and Salt Lake City, where I saw these reluctant superstars:

More soon on the Oregon Coast vs. Antarctica experiment.

Six

Everyone got up super-early, because we've been counting down to this day for over a month.

Yes, six years ago Ida Akiko Rock started breathing air.

A little later in the day I swung by room 3 with some popsicles.  I was greeted like a Messiah!  (Ida made me wear a tie, of course.)

Still later, at home (Ida took off her clothes to better play with her new doll, Paul, who is able to pee and actually does pee everywhere.  "That's what's real about him," Ida says.  "Babies make messes everywhere."

Ida was very enthusiastic about all her gifts ("This is...awesome!"  "This is the best day ever.  Awesome.")

And April birthdays in general?

2 day sleepover!

You heard right--Ella and I went to Frisco for two hot days and nights (no photos taken during that time are allowable on the blog, says Ella)--and Ida and Miki stayed with their cousins. Fortunately, Ida took along her camera and documented the days.  (This is a portrait of her and Elsie; she's working on it.)

Miki was ready to get on with the sleepover; very excited, during the daytime.

Various toys were chosen to make the trip.

Very intricate games of robbers and burglars were enacted and photographed (Ida explained this to me)>

Another attempt

Big news of the weekend--Elsie lost her second tooth!  No longer the razor-edged shark jaws!  And the Toot Fairy coughed up $2.00.  Inflation!

Oh man, new dog on Martins St!  That was action.  This is not that dog, but one witnessed on a hike at Oaks Bottom, where Ida took many photos and got a muddy bottom.

I really don't understand Maggie, not one whit.

But I think she and Ida are doing something.

Eventually Miki did get a little worn out.  By the time her Mama showed up, she was ready.

Ida's Class Picture outfit; chosen by her