The Joy of a Child

 

I'm sure that most people would agree that the laughter and joy of a child is a beautiful thing. My great-granddaughter, Novalee, was having her second birthday party on Saturday, July 11. Since Terry just had surgery on Monday, the 6th, I was certain we were not able to go. Terry surprised me with his desire to attend the party, so I let my daughter and granddaughter that we could come. 

Jessee always hosts the best parties for her children and other gatherings, so this should be fun. With his catheter bag in tow, Terry climbed into the car, all set for the party. We drove to Eugene and landed at Jessee's home. Already I could tell that Jess was going to make this party special, with banners and balloons outside the house. Here we go!

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I stared at the banner, spouting Novalee's new age. Unbelievable that she could be turning two years old! Of course, we all went through the same thing with Zyrah as she aged. My other great grandkids have grown so quickly as well. Give us a break and let us catch our breath! 

Seeing all the food offerings didn't surprise me. Jess is always on top of having awesome parties, like I said, and that includes the food. Kids had fruits and a baguette was sliced and ready for the cheese or salsa spreads. There were broccoli pieces and cheese chunks, and plenty of chips and dips. 

I turned to look at the opposite side of the room, where the cake and cupcakes sat, waiting to be devoured by hungry kids and adult kids too. There was a large container of a beautiful blend of fruits, mixed with lemonade. Oh, the sugar these children and adult children will consume. This will be fun to watch parents chase their kids around the yard. I should have brought some popcorn for Terry and I to munch while we sit in the corner and watch it all unfold. 

And each year the girls grow one year older, Jess always has her friend make some adorable cookies. 

This year's theme was "Novalee is Splashing into Two," so the cookies were all perfect little pool party and summer designs. 

Jess had pulled it off again! Pretty, perfect little gathering for her two-year-old, Novalee. 

I looked out of the sliding glass door and noticed the real party was out in the backyard! It was definitely defined as a splash party, with three pools and plenty of toys to keep cool and happy. I went to see Novalee first and to watch her splash around in her wading pool. The birthday girl was settling into the pool and keeping cool on her day. She was happy.

Jess and Brandon had also purchased a huge blow-up slide that allows people to splash into the pool below. They rented one for her first party but this year they bought one to avoid having to rent one. It looked fun, yet somehow, I figured the adults might also have some entertainment wrapped up in that slide and pool setup. 

One other pool was set next to the slide, although I only remember one or two kids hanging out in that one. The focus remained on that slide. 

A canopy over the porch kept adults and kids not playing in pools cool for the day. It was all very nice. A picnic table gave the younger kids a place to play and to eat and there were two long tables set up for anyone to sit as well. Our little group set ourselves up with the camping chairs under a nice tree in the corner of the yard by the slide. Probably not a great idea, but what the heck. Our group consisted of Deb, a friend of mine, Terry, me, Dawn, and Linda. 

Kids of all ages enjoyed the slide. 

With everything set up and all was good, we let the party begin!

Soon little Nova sat on her dad's lap and with his help and the help of big sister Zyrah, the unwrapping of a heaping mound of presents commenced. 

Nova pulled gift after gift out of her bags and boxes, leaving tissue paper and wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons all around her and her dad. 

Her cousin Spencer noticed the balloons sitting above them. 

Spencer went around the birthday girl still opening gifts and grabbed the string on the balloons. She had claimed her property, or so she thought. 

I could tell there were some tykes that were growing very tired. The kids' makeup and inkpad blots all over their foreheads made them look as though they had a bad day. 

Nova opened pulled more toys from bags while Cousin Spencer gripped tightly on those balloons. Big sister Zyrah looked on and helped dad with the gifts. 

The kids played until around 7:00 and the party had begun at 2:00. Everyone had fun but the children were tired, with some getting cranky as kids do without naps. I believe the adults were getting a bit cranky too, actually. The large pool was drained and food was put away. With about 10 boxes of pizza, there was so much left over that Jess was giving some away. Things were closing down. 

I said goodbye to my friend, Debbie, and to my daughter Dawn, granddaughters Kylee and Jess, and other people I knew. It was a great time had by all. It's always fun around family, but it's especially a great time seeing children enjoying life. A child's laughter is one of the best things in life. 

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Until our next post, please take care. Terry and I appreciate you all. We send hugs and hope that your blessings are plentiful and your love abundant. 

Terry & Vicki Macrae,

Granny & Grandpa Mac