The Much Younger Set

A weekend ago, I was invited to celebrate the first birthday of the third daughter of the lovely young woman who used to be my executive assistant.  Her oldest daughter, Princess L, is exactly three months younger than my own granddaughter, Princess Butterfly, which means that Princess L will very soon be five years old.  Her middle daughter, Princess E, is almost exactly one year younger than Prince Tyger.  Princess C, the birthday girl, is almost five months younger than Prince Lightning.  Here is the young celebrant, whose delight was palpable but whose toddling was still somewhat wobbly, being assisted by Biggest Sis.

There must have been something mysterious happening during the years from 2007 to 2011 because there seem to have been lots of little ones born around the same times as our youngest grandkids.  Either there was a mini-baby boom then.  Or I have just been noticing more.  Whatever the case, our whimsical weather happened to be kind on the day of the celebration.  We were even able to have our cake and goodies outside.  All the little ones, family members and guests were delighted to be out in the garden.  Here Sweet Momma I poses with the guest of honor and Middle Sis, Princess E.

Proud Papa Big P was busy with a camera for most of the afternoon.  Documenting the antics of three lively young girls and their guests is no small challenge.

Little Princess C, like so many first birthday-ites, was fascinated by the lit candle on her cake.

What just happened here?  Where did the flame go?

Princess L and guest Prince L were more interested in eating the goodies.  Prince L is six.

And, of course, there were the gifts.  Here is another little Princess C arriving with her Sweet Momma E.  This princess is almost exactly Prince Tyger's age.  See what I mean about a mini-baby boom?

After goodies and gifts, there were balloons: to kick around,

to bounce on until they popped,

or just to hold while watching others bounce.

But it was also fun to get together for a Playmobil session.  Such concentration from a formerly boisterous group!

Little Princess C enjoyed everything right along with everyone else and had a very satisfactory first birthday.

I'm so glad that I was able to share in the fun.  But I am even more glad to be a grandparent, even as a surrogate GP, rather than a parent again!