splish, splash, a birthday bash...

for the big birthday bash, we went low-key this year and hosted a swim party for ava's friends and family at the apartment.  it was hot, but so much fun!

as far as decor goes, we kept that pretty low-key too. hot dogs & cupcakes were served, and pool noodles & squirt guns were given as favors :)

a majority of the party-goers spent time in the pool,

while the boys manned the grill [a big thank you to brad, who handled most of the cooking!]

sweet girl got so many wonderful gifts, but she was ECSTATIC about her new DS from nana & papa!  the proof is in the pictures...just look at that face!

preston wanted in on the present action too :)

finally, it was time to eat [cup] cake!  ava is not a cake eater, but she insisted on one this year!

here she is taking one of two total bites ;) 

preston, on the other hand, was in love :)

it was a great party filled with family, friends & fun!