Couldda been better, couldda been worse.

"Better" would've been if Penny hadn't woken up at 5:30 on Saturday and then when Matt finally got her up at 6, started screaming for me. ("Mommy down! Mommy down!") On my day to sleep in.

"Worse" would've been if we hadn't decided to leave Penny at my parents' house when we went out to eat with everyone Saturday evening. But we did, and we had a lovely time visiting with K.T. and Kevin and Jess and Karen.

"Better" would've been if Penny hadn't woken up at 4:30 Sunday morning.

"Worse" would've been if she'd then commenced to have a bad mood when I finally let her get out of bed at 6. But as soon as I took her downstairs, she was in a great mood. Affectionate and happy.

"Better" would've been if she hadn't fallen and hurt herself just as I was on the verge of taking a nap.

"Worse" would've been if she'd actually hurt herself, and not just gotten a scare and a bruise.

"Better" would've been if she'd joined in the general running around and playing at Jess's birthday party, instead of wanting to sit on the sidelines and eat.

"Worse" would've been if all that sugar and junk food had made her sick.

But enough of that! Let's look at pictures!

Arrr! It be a pirate party, matey!

Avast, and shiver me timbers! The Dread Pirate Mikey!

It be time fer walkin' the plank! Arr!

Walkin' the plank makes a pirate thirsty! Where be me grog?

We be so hungry, we could eat hardtack an' cannon shot! (Luckily, there be chocolate cupcakes. Arr!)

Avast! It be time to count the booty! Arrr!

Arr! I mean, um... So Jess's birthday party was a rousing success. Though it continues to be sort of amazing, the way time spirals at these events. By the time you've been around a handful of running, shrieking, playing kids for an hour or two, it feels like about twelve.

--Liz