$#*! Ali Grace Says

"What does intimidate mean?"

"It means blah blah blah .... Does that make sense, Ali?"

"Yep!" Pause. "What did you say?"

~

Looking at her fortune cookie insert.

"You won a free train ride to Hawaii!"

It's My Party

When days seem exceptionally stressful I timeline their ineffable events because I don't believe any articulation could possibly do them justice. Today, however, was not stressful in the least. It's my birthday and I must fill in the blanks myself.

Bode woke me around six and snuggled me until coffee could wait no longer. Everyone emerged eventually seeking food. Breakfast. If you make it, they will come. The texts, calls, and emails began. I heard from friends, old and new. Family, near and far. Dad called this morning and this afternoon. Unprecedented. No worries, I am well aware "not everyone calls twice to wish you 'Happy Birthday.'"  He also said something about not being a spring chicken anymore.

Yikes. I guess that's okay. Spring chickens lack for basic knowledge. I say this in hopes that I've aquired some since my spring chicken days. Probably it would be smarter to keep my mouth shut in case I haven't. Probably 29 still makes me a spring chicken.

My mom traveled two hours this morning surprising the kids and I. What can I say? She sets the bar high for moms everywhere. Lucky for me, I'm her daughter. Anyway, she brought cake. And, presents.

And, cake.

Chocolate cake.

Layered, chocolate cake.

Did I mention she brought cake? I probably won't share it.

Recently, Pizza Ranch successfully subdued my qualm regarding buffets. They kinda gross me out. But, PR is so good I decided to risk hepatitis exposure. So, Mom took us there for lunch, too. Heaven forbid I have dishes to do on my birthday.

The kids offered lots of hugs, kisses and homemade cards. The afternoon brought sunbathing and treadmill time. Hunan's supplied supper (for a fee - I know, it's my b-day c'mon). Blue Moon quenched my thirst. Goodness, I am thirsty. And, Ryan, well ... I'm sure he will get me something next year.

Maybe.

Yes, this is me with my tiny violin playing a sad, sad song.

I suppose he is a gift in himself. Maybe I'll wrap him up in a bow and let him sleep on the couch tonight :)

Anyway, today I may not qualify as a spring chicken, aquire my driver's license, pierce my belly button (stupid, 18 year old Katie), take my first legal shot of tequila, take my first illegal shot of tequila, or turn 30. Thank God.

However, I did turn 29 and it did exceed all birthdays previous. I am truly blessed. Stay-at-home momming is an occupation that manufactures stress, BUT I would gladly endure 100 "timeline" days for one, single today.

Well. Maybe 50.

Wordless Wednesday

HFD!

Lil Stinker

Wordless Wednesday

 

Wordless Wednesday

$#*! Ali Grace Says

"My artwork is tres fab!"

~

"Mom, I have a surprise for you!"

"You do? What is it?"

"Well, if I told you it would be a surprise, would it?"

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend was a mini get-away for us. Did we travel to the east coast?

No.

West coast?

No.

Great lakes of Minnesota?

No.

Chicago?

Negative.

Ummm ... Kansas City?

Nope!

We went to my parents' for four days. It was awesome. No hotel bill. No plane. No muss, no fuss. Fun people. And, Mom did our laundry.

Eat your heart out, Expedia. 

The kids' cousins on my side (Bryleigh, Kyler, Khaia, Brynn & Brady) live close to my parents. The only cousin that doesn't live close is Meatball. But, she's a cat and the kids don't seem to notice. Sorry, Meaty.

Amy's (my sister's) daughter cat, Meatball

Coco and Brynnie

Bode loves baby Brynn. He's kind of figuring out that she's not a punching bag. Baby steps.

If the weather cooperates, they will swim. And, I'll chill poolside with a cocktail. If the weather doesn't cooperate, they won't swim. And, I'll chill inside with a cocktail.

Bryleigh and Ali Grace

Chloe Leigh!

Ali Grace spraying Caden. Her life's mission is to bother him. :)

Bode got in! He went down the slide and everything. I was helping him. Fully clothed. Got soaked. But what the heck, it was fun. 

You wouldn't know it by his face, but Bo loves to ride the mower. That's my brother, Mike. He liked to ride the mower when he was younger, too. The neighbor would often call and say "Mike's going mach-90 on your lawn mower again blah blah blah" Obviously, I thought this was hilarious. Ali G and I understand the mechanics of torturing older brothers.

Thank you mucho for hosting our get-away Mom and Dad. It was fun to spend time with you and eat your food. Loves!

To the Zoo With You

A few weeks ago we took a trip to the zoo. Ron and Deb came and we met Julie, Landon and Miss Lauren there.

Creepy little river otter.



Free range wallaby



Ali was doing her best wallaby impression. I was hoping the dang thing had no intentions of gnawing my children.





This was our zoo crew!



Lauren and Chloe

Bo had to ride the frog, too. :)

Forget the animals! They would have played in the spraying water fountain all day.



Cade, Clo and Lauren



Guess who liked the lions?

Miss Lauren at the wheel. Scary!

Deb and Chloe checking out the monkeys.

Hola, monkey! You look like my husband.

 Obviously the kids had a fun day! Grandparents, aunts and cousins made it all the more special for them.

Lions, tigers, monkeys ... they are all great. But, if you don't see the llamas you've wasted a trip. Love me some llamas.

Until next time!!!