Leo turned five on March 20th – I remember the day she was born and how ear-piercing her cry was!!! We had a family party on her actual birthday and a Garden Party with 14 of her friends a couple days later. The weather and fun were perfect!!!! We made ladybug outfits, garden party hats, and potted herbs. I made a flower cake (I think it looks like an evolved tumor), opened presents and then a pinata!!! The kids had a great time running around the backyard and becoming diabetic on all the sugar they ate. We played Red Rover and ended the party with Duck-Duck-Goose. Here’s just a “few” pictures from all the festivities:
I have to do a shout-out to Leo so when she’s a teenager and we’re at each other’s throats, she can read this and know I love her even when I wanna rip my hair out!!!
I want my children to grow up and be better then me, and I think Leo is already there. She is such a kind little girl, so good to her brothers and let’s them know she loves them. She is a HUGE help to me, I couldn’t manage three kids without Leo. She is a hard worker and very obedient. Leo also has the most inquisitive questions and often has thoughts and ideas that are over my head. She is a great friend to everyone and is no respecter of persons. Leo also has a strong testimony and understanding of the gospel for a person her age. She chooses to watch the Old Testament on her DVD player when we go on road trips. (I don’t get it!) I really am thankful that I could be her mother, I have a lot to learn from her. As Leo gets ready to start kindergarten this fall, I know it’s going to be harder on me then her. But I have no worries about Leo and I know she’ll make good decisions and be kind to those around her.
Happy Birthday Leo!!! You’re loved and admired by many.
what a fun party! she is so cute. isn’t it nice to have a helper. stella is my big helper and i appreciate it so much. you are a brave woman to have a party for that many little kids-hee hee. way to go. . .
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Leo!!!! F-I-V-E hugs to you!!!! Wished we lived closer as I would have loved to have made a lady bug costume with you. (see, I kNOW you would have invited me) The party sounded like alot of fun! Marissa & Denton, you are AWESOME loving parents! Kudos to you on raising such a wonderful little girl!
Love,
Jan
hey leo! happy bday to you. i cant believe she’s 5 already! consequently, i remember her birth too… there’s nothin like being the videographer :) oh and yeah we miss you guys. when are you coming back to leo’s awesome birthplace? doesn’t everyone want to vacation in utah? the beach has nothin on provo
The party was FAT! Blake had a great time.It only took about two hours for him to warm up. Thanks to that rockin red rover game at the end, he left with a smile.Thanks for “Good Times”. Leo and him will hook up in about 11 -12 years. You guys did an awesome job on the party.
happy b-day leo! looks like an AWESOME party! you’re such a good mom..and it was so nice to FINALLy see a picture of you:)…even though you weren’t looking at the camera..you look fantastic! i loved the cake..what a cute idea..and i love the lady bug costume..ella would’ve loved that party!! fun times..great job mamma!
Gina! I can’t believe it was her bday and I missed it! Sorry I am LAME! We’re heading back to UT tomorrow, so I’ll get my sha together then!:) Okay, Martha, Giada, FURNAMOM of the universe…the cake does NOT look like a tumor, what a super fun party, and it looks like it was a perfect day! wow! What fun! Wish we could be there to party crash…and by the way, you look awesome, so your get in shape girl exercises must be working! Way to go gina! Happy Belated Leo! What a very sweet post to Leo…she is all that, and it’s because of YOU! That is why you are my hero every second of my life!
I’ll call you when I get home, Gina, and when I recover from my Coke hangover if I survive the flight across America tomorrow…wish me luck!:)
I have loved seeing the pictures and write-up on your birthday party, Leo. I want a cake like that for my birthday!…and a lady bug costume would be fun too! I remember five years ago when you were born and home from the hospital. You and I hung out in the living room at night so your mom could get some sleep. I would rock your carrier to put you to sleep and then when you woke up I would get your mom to come feed you, but I would get lots of cuddling in too. I am sure you have seen the pictures of your mom, before you were even born, sewing your blessing dress. So many happy times with/about you and you were still in heaven, maybe watching all of us getting ready to welcome you to earth! I am so glad we are all family and will be forever and ever! I love you and am very proud of how you care for your family and for others. You have discovered already one of the most important things we can do in this life. Love you, Leo….Gran
Happy Birthday Leo! Marissa, the party looked so cute. I am impressed.
The pictures were darling and captured all the fun. I want to put them on my blog for all the world to see.Thanks for including me…..it was fun to be a helper and watch everybody.
I agree with Marissa, Leo is a very special little girl. She is always so kind and sweet to me and makes me feel so loved. Whenever I come over or take her on a date, she acts so happy to see me and be with me. I hope we will always have that kind of relationship. Good parenting from Denty and Riss. Happy 5th Birthday Lei, Lei.
I love you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much. And I know Gran does too. Love, Grammy Suz xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
dear leo,
i hope you enjoyed my birthday song. it tooks me days to write. happy late birfday and i hope you stuffed your face!
hugs and kisses,
your fav. aunt. (natalie)
dear natalie,
if you have to put your name in parantheses to identify yourself as the favorite aunt, that kind of lessens your claim on the title.
hugs and kisses,
your favorite brother-in-law (denton)
what a cute party LEO! I heard that it was a success. You are getting so old… I can’t believe that you are five. We love you and miss you tons. You are so smart and so cute!!
love, linds (and regan)
Hey little Leo … Gina, Gina, Gina … this is from your “Favorite Robin” telling you WHAT A CUTIE-PATUTIE you are on your big 5th birthday. A new Bike! Wow-Pow girlfriend. Loved your flower-ie birthday cake… I am going to make one like that! With ladybugs all around it too. And Marissa you are lookin’ GOOD pretty momma! love you guys a lot!
Marissa, I love the cake and all the decor. I really loved what you wrote about Leo in the blog post. Gracie can’t wait to come home and be Leo’s BFF. But I suppose first they should probably get together a few times and form a bond or something crazy like that. Happy Birthday Leo!!
dear denton,
i miss you. and the way you make fun of me.
love,
?
Holy cow you are the woman! I could never pull off a party like that. LUCKY LEO!
Your site is too fun, thanks for sharing.
Aimee
Happy Birthday LEO!
Wow from what your mommy says your sure a real special sweet lady. Glad to see that you had a blast on your 5th birthday and that your loved so much.
Heather
What a super-duper party! And 14 guests?! Now that’s a feat! Looks like a lot of fun with all those creative crafts and activities. Leo is a special little lady.