
Today Little 'Ny and I headed up to San Bernardino to celebrate Baby Cousin Allie's first birthday.

Little 'Ny's best friend has a baby sister. The other day we were driving home from school and she said "Mama, do I have a baby sister?" I told her no. Then she asked "Mama, I want a baby sister." I told her we can't have one right now. The she said "Mama, we can buy one." And I responded with "Honey, we can't afford one right now." She was satisfied with my answer and dropped the subject.
Little 'Ny loves her cousin Allie. She is fascinated with her ... and her toys of course! So, today she said to me "Mama, I am Baby Cousin Allie's big sister. Ok?" My sister-in-law and I laughed and told her that Allie is her cousin. Little 'Ny responded with "Oh ... but, I am Baby Cousin Allie's big sister. Ok." It was so sweet that we all just said "Ok!"

It was a nice warm day in SB county, so Little 'Ny and her other two cousins went to the playground while Baby Cousin Allie took a cat nap before cake time. They had a great time on the slide, climbing up the mini rockwall and dipping their feet in the wadding pool.

By the time we got back Baby Cousin Allie had woken up from her nap ready for some cake! She loved it! (I remember Little 'Ny on her first birthday had zero interest in her cake. I even had to take some of the frosting to smear on her face in order to get a picture.) It was so much fun seeing Allie grab a fist full of cake and frosting, put it in her little mouth, giggle, then clap while flinging cake in the process. She is just adorable! Happy birthday, sweetheart!

To end my day (and before our drive home) Little 'Ny and I got to visit with Miss, who is one of my favorite people. She came into my life at just the right time to provide me support, advice, laughter, a shoulder to cry on ... simply friendship. I adore this woman.

I had brought her home some goodies from Maui and wanted to deliver them to her in person. Luckily she was close to where I was, so we met up at a bookstore for some coffee while Little 'Ny played. Our visit lasted 3 hours ... and would have lasted a lot longer if Little 'Ny wasn't so sleepy and turning into a sourpuss.
It was a great Saturday filled with family, friends and laughter!