Gianna's 3rd Birthday Party: Guests Arrive

Before the guests arrived, we had to put the final touches on the venue (food, cake, etc.).

I rode with Gianna's Uncle John and Papa Michael. (Keith stayed home to sit with the dog, Ella, who is recovering from minor surgery.) When we arrived we found a pavillion behind the castle being readied for the party.

Gianna's cousin Danielle assisted with getting stuff situated.

There was a table for presents, which filled up rapidly.

Since Gianna was nowhere in sight, I took a stroll over to the castle, suspecting she might be inside.

Sure enough, she was there with her friend, play-cooking in the castle kitchen. Gianna was busy putting things into a bucket she was using for a saucepan, but she recognized me when I came in and explained, "I'm making something to eat."

Gianna's baby brother turned one just a few weeks ago and is walking more often than not. He found the grass a little challenging at first, however.

Being held doesn't slow him down, though. He just points imperiously where he wants to go, and some adult (like Uncle John) will obediently take him there.

There's also a lookout on top of the castl, accessible via a kid-friendly ramp.

The lookout turned out to be a good vantage point for aerial views.

Although there were a lot of kids, none of the activities became too crowded. It seems like a few kids loved the bounce-house, while others preferred the castle or the bubbles…