Joy, Sue and the Zoo: Happy Birthday, Dear Olivia ...

Olivia celebrated her 8th birthday with a combination family celebration/friend sleepover party that included Grandparents & Godparents, Aunts & Uncles, cousins & friends !

It was extra-special this year since her cousins from Texas were in PA visiting their grandmother, so they were able to come for the day and celebrate with us! Although they had to leave far too quickly, it was really wonderful to visit with them. Even though we only see the "Texas Verners" once or twice a year, the kids have a close bond and play very well together.

Not sure how there is a family resemblance, but there sure is one!

BCBF ... Best Cousin Buds Forever!

We had some good old-fashioned party fun with pin the horn on the unicorn ...

a little to the right ...

up just a little ...

keep going forward ...

a little to the left ...

you are almost there ...

you got it Charlie!

Hey! No feeling around for other "horns"!

... fabulous prizes were available for winners, losers and cheaters!

Somehow we managed to fit over 25 people around our dining room table for the official birthday song, and candle-blowing-out tradition -- cha cha cha!!

Cake and ice cream on the deck ... yummmmmy

After an impromptu congo line through the house, Olivia opened her presents.

Thanks for the Monster High Girl, Riley!!

Thanks for the totally cool Olivia doll, Abby!!

Thanks for the bling, and the secret diary, Olivia!!

Thanks for the gumball machine Aunt Leigh Ann (please read with LOTS of parental sarcasm)!!

Thanks for the cool nail polish, Alyssa!!

Thanks for the awesome scrapbook about ME, Skyy!!

Since we were not sure if cake and ice cream provided enough sugar for everyone, we roasted some marshmallows to ensure they would have enough energy for the sleepover!!