Sophia and Gabby in the pool.
Everett is thinking about joining in.
Taking a break for ice cream in the shade.
We all went downtown on Saturday to watch the guys play a game or two. It was very hot!
Lisa, Sophia, and Gabby try to stay beneath the shade tree.
Guys playing a game on the court.
Gabby was a good sport for putting up with Sophia being a little older and Everett being a little younger. We all had a great time visiting. 
Everett basically carried his bucket around and nibbled for an hour, not wanting to throw in the towel.
"Haaa Haaa Haaaaaaaa! I will eat it all!"
Once again, Sophia got a little messy face because she thought Everett looked so silly with his dirt all over.
Literally climbing up the wall.
Marie and Sophia taking a swim before the eating frenzy. The pool has made it a full year...thanks Auntie Katie...this was a great birthday gift!
I made Sophia a lemon cake with raspberry filling and cream cheese frosting.
I also make some pretty cool dessert favors (at least I thought they were awesome). "Buckets of DIRT" with a layer of bedrock on the bottom (chocolate cake), a layer of frosting above that (hard-pan or caliche...accumulation layer in a soil horizon), and a layer of 'dirt' (pureed oreos and vanilla cookies) equipped with gummy worms. They kids ate it with mini shovels. Now doesn't that sound tasty! 
They were a hit.
Grant gave a thumbs up for the worms.
Out of all the children, Everett was the only one to actually finish his. It took him two sittings but, he did finish. Like I said, he loves chocolate.
Sissy got a 'Go-Go Girl Dance Studio' and brother got a truck.
They loved all the fake food and utensils to go with their new play kitchen (photo to come soon).
Sophia received a lot of really neat gifts from friends and family. Thanks to everyone who attended the party and sent gifts for the birthday girl. Here she is checking out the new outfit from Auntie Kim and Lynna.
Her she is on her actual birthday wearing a new outfit from Auntie Katie and the Spaghetti Factory. She loves the myzithra!
The kids are enjoying chocolate popsicles after swimming in the pool. 
Everett LOVES any form of chocolate. As you can see...
Sophia thought it was fun to be a little messy too.
Now he is off to squirt his sister.
Sophia loves picking off the slugs and snails from my shrubs. I have had to overcome my dislike for touching the slimey buggers. I genuinely want her to respect all creatures...and yes, that means slugs. We usually collect a batch and place them in a bowl with lettuce (from the fridge). Later, after bedtime...mommy gently places them in the compost bin...
They love hiding out under this weeping, flowering plum tree.
Gamma and Everett.
My friend Kim Whipple sent an awesome care package and this "paint-you-own-birdhouse' was in it. Sophia waited so patiently until brother took a rest to paint it her way. Thanks Kim!
Yeah, check out the muddy feet on the girls...I guess some people pay good money to take a mud bath.
Men and their love of the flame...'watch out kids, you're in the way!'
Sophia and Marie really enjoy playing dress-up. The boys joined in later. Grant was Indiana Jones!