Her purple family birthday party

With family. And purple balloons. And a bee sting on her lip.

While we were away for the summer, the littlest one had a birthday. Want to make a wild guess at her favorite color? For months she had been requesting a "purple family party with purple balloons".

Mark and I had been traveling for the weekend. Due to... complications, we arrived home a day late, just an hour before her birthday dinner. Our moms came to the rescue. Cupcakes baked and frosted, purple balloons purchased, beautiful salad and meat ready to throw on the grill. Thank you. You are my heroes.




Elle and grandma planned a fun fishing pond for the kids.


Kalea was having a lovely time at the kid table with cousins when a bee decided to land on her food.

I tried to explain that he was probably just as scared as she was when he realized he was being eaten, but it didn't seem to calm her too much. In an attempt to escape her closing mouth, the bee stung the inside of her lip. She swelled a fair bit and was pretty melancholy the rest of the night.


Oh sweet little one. We love you.


She did crack a few smiles when opening gifts. Her little cousin-friends were more than happy to help her unwrap all her gifts (since she's never been a fan) and play together.


How grateful I am to her birth parents who brought her into the world. They have become my dearest friends. I think we all agree–it would be a much darker place without our KaleaKaura. I love you SO much.




You bring so much joy into our lives, Kalea. Happy, happy birthday, my love.