It doesn’t happen nearly often enough, but when it does, it sure makes me smile.

Last night, the whole family — 20 in all — gathered at Dave’s and Jll’s house one more time before Heather and Lauren and Joseph and Micah leave to head back home to Vermont this afternoon.

We used the occasion to celebrate Micah’s second birthday, which is actually tomorrow.Everyone also had the chance to meet 3-month-old Cole for the first time.

The kids played on the zipline in the backyard, they dressed up in a variety of clothing, and at one point we even watched the performance of a play, written and directed by Adelaide of course.

My heart was so happy. Here are some of the memories.

Have a great weekend.

Micah gets help opening his gifts. Lots of help.

Cole’s getting sleepy in the arms of his Aunt Heather.

Micah is LOVING having happy birthday sung to him!

Micah is pretty sure that he doesn’t want his mama holding another baby.