Big Birthday Bash

My friend Megan and I decided to do a group birthday celebration since four of our (combined) five kids have November birthdays.  We took them to a jumpy house play place on Friday and then back to Megan's for dinner.  They all had so much fun!  We decided that this will be our new birthday tradition for our crew.  

Getting ready for cake!!

You should have seen the looks I got from the lady at the grocery store when I ordered five birthday balloons, for ages 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6.  She thought I was a crazy mom with five kids age six and under.  I did set the record straight, FYI. ;-)  And yes, Davis did pop his balloon before the evening even got started.  I insisted that he take a deflated balloon over to Megan's house for the photo...yep, I'm that mom.

We love these girls and are so grateful to have this wonderful family living down the street from us. Can't wait for next year!

Outings With Aunties

We have had a very fun time lately with Aunties.  We got to see Aunt Christy over Halloween and even had a night out while Mimi watched the boys!  Thanks, Mimi!

 Sister loves the boys and they love Aunt Sister.  She is so silly!

 All set for date night! 

Mom and I got to celebrate with Aunt Debbie on the day before her birthday.  We found a yummy burger place in the Highlands and Davis slept through the whole thing.  It was pretty much a girls' only event.

 He was not impressed...

Last, but not least, we got to see Aunt Kris and Uncle Peter for lunch on their way to Colorado Springs last week. What a nice treat!

Deck Project: Completed!

Four months, three grandpas, one hard-working husband and countless man hours later--WE HAVE A DECK!  This project is officially finished!  (Aside from some gutters we have a guy coming to install, but who cares about that?)  It has been an amazing process to see Sean bring this project from paper to reality. I couldn't be happier with the end result and I know we will get a lot of use out of this in the warmer months. But, enough about that.  Here she is in all her glory:

Remember, this is what we started out with: 

 I love the "Before and After" shots.

 Much-improved view from the back door!

 Sean painted the ceiling and railings to match our front porch.  He also added two ceiling fans, four outdoor speakers & an extra outlet to string Christmas lights (if we want).  Can't wait to have our first party!

 The grill finally has a home.  

 We haven't figured out a good way to keep the decking from getting muddy paw prints all over it, but other than that it's wonderful.  Thanks, Sean, for all of your hard work and not complaining (too much) about how big of a project this was.  :-) I know you would rather be working on your car! I love you and am so grateful to have such a talented husband! 

Soccer Studs

Sean and the boys just wrapped up a soccer session from our rec center.  They had back-to-back classes on Saturday mornings while I was at work.  Sean seemed to think it went pretty well & both of the boys actively participated (which is more than I can say in our first soccer experience when Carter was three). Sorry so many of these pics are blurry...lots of action going on here! 

 Davis takes the field.

Go Davis, Go!!

Carter's turn! (He is in the middle with blue sleeves.)

 Yay, Carter!!

Halloween Extravaganza

Mimi flew out to spend Halloween with us and we packed as much spooky holiday fun into her visit as possible!  She brought surprises for the boys, as usual, and handed them out on Halloween morning. Thanks, Mimi!

The first party of the day was for Davis and his preschool class.  They had a parade through the elementary school and he got to go through Carter's classroom!

What a special treat to visit your big brother at his desk!

It was a little chilly for the parade outside.

Mom, Davis & me in a photo that Davis wanted no part of.

He found the Halloween treats...all better!

Mimi playing her "trick" with the candy corns sewn into her pocket. Davis thought that was funny!

LaDonna & Teresa's Preschool class

Partying with our friend, Ella the Ghost.

Carter and his Kindergarten class.

Carter's teacher, Mrs. Snyder, with Iron Man. 

The big kid parade!  (Iron Man was a pretty popular guy this year...)

Playing party games with friends.

Mimi helping at the cookie-decorating table!

Party #2 down, one more to go!

We had some family & friends over for Halloween night, a new tradition we started last year--so fun!  We even got to have Aunt Christy join us this year, so that made it extra-special! (Sister was a stick figure & Sean was a disappointed Cardinals fan, in case you were wondering.)

Debbie, Christy & me showing off our Halloween spirit.

Sister is very bright.

Setting out to Trick-or-Treat with our favorite neighbors! Iron Man, Hershey's bar, Graham cracker & Robo Ranger (Not pictured: Alina, the marshmallow for the S'mores)

Zach & Taylor watching Davis eat candy.  Good times!