Addison's 2nd Birthday Bash!

Addison had a hello kitty party.  She did very good- except the part where everyone gathered around her to sing and then she lost it.  She really has trouble with stranger anxiety.  She was terrified of Dave all weekend.  Until he was leaving and we told her he was leaving and she (between tears) said "why?".

Thank you to everyone who came and made the day a special one for Addison!

prepping for party- not sure what I would have done without all my helpers that morning!  it's hard to throw a party at 1030am!

the cake master at work...

the birthday princess.

the sweet big brother.

BELLY!

just a funny face.

the perfect hello kitty cake.

most of the party goer's.  parker is the clown with the safety goggles.  every picture I got of him that day he had something on his face or head.  he loves to dress up!

addison & parker digging in a little early.

 

My 30th Birthday Party

Here are some pictures of my 30th birthday party.  It was so much fun- I was surrounded by my favorite people.  Nathan surprised me with merry maids (3 hours!!) earlier in the week so I didn't have to stress about the house cleaning.  The kids went off to both Grandma's throughout the day on friday which allowed me to cook and prep for the party- one of my favorite things to do.  Heather was my sous-chef all afternoon and Shana joined the prep fun for a few hours. Everyone (except Tim- Dee's husband- was sick) was able to get babysitters and come and make my birthday perfect.  And both Robb & Dave made the drive and got here just in time. It was the most perfect birthday.  

Melissa & me

Phil, the dj (and his beautiful wife)

I made everyone play Taboo!  I love games and it was so fun.  Girls won, of course!

Joan (mom in law/angel) organized a box for me.  Inside was messages from a bunch of friends & family writing "what I love about you...".  It BLEW me away and I still cannot believe it.  It was the best gift anyone has ever given me- and will always be so.  Thank you for each of you that wrote such a beautiful note to me.  I love you all!

Kristin & Dee

the spread.

My birthday cake.  If I may brag a little... it was THE BEST CAKE EVER!  It was a recipe out of Ina Garten (my mentor chef!).  The icing was the most creamy, fluffy... pure buttery goodness!

Soccer!

Jackson, Ashton & Parker have started soccer lessons.  They love it.  It is the first sport/coordination they've had so it is funny to watch them in a class.  Today was their third class and they are getting better.  Parker wasn't quite old enough for the class but since they didn't have many kids this session they let him join the bigger boys.  He is just as good (maybe better!) than the others!

The first class they did some foot drills without the ball.  All three of them kept asking the coach "when are we going to play soccer?".

They are telling their coach about their new shoes and clothing.

Best Husband Award.

I feel the need to brag on my husband.  

At the end of this week I will turn another year older.  I am hosting a dinner party- as my primary birthday wish.  Nathan surprised me today with Merry Maids.  Two of them- for 3 hours.  My house is sparkling.  Today, instead of cleaning baseboards, windows, bathrooms and being stressed about my house I can relax and just work on the menu (the part I enjoy the most).

I think this is the best gift ever.  Thank you, my love!

Do you see the sparkles?

Grams home!!! with presents...

Gram went to visit her sister Shari in Tuscan for 11 days!!  We missed her lots but was glad she went to see Shari.  She came back with presents- worth the 11 days gone!  

A minor's hat w/ light and an airplane/airport book for Jackson. 

New purple flashlight and purple play shoes!

By the way, she refused clothes.  It was a fight to get the diaper on!

Just a very funny picture of addison.  this is her favorite hat.  that she MUST wear at the craziest times...

MU vs. Texas A&M

The whole family went to see Christine play against Texas A&M.  We had a great time.  This was Addison's first game so we were nervous.  She did great!  However, she had no desire to go see Truman the Tiger.  Jackson wore his ear muffs at the beginning of the game and then took them off and did great.  He hates loud noise and I didn't bring them last game and he was begging to go home.  Nana bought him dip & dots & he came around quickly!  

It was a fabulous game- Christine (50) scored 4 points.  A&M is ranked 6th in the country and we only lost by 6 points.  The MU girls played SO tough.

I had to take a picture of her this morning- and share.  She wanted the shirt (that matches the pants) that I chose this morning off.  Then, as I was cooking she kept bringing shirts and saying "is this cool, is this cool?" to me.  Then she would make me put them on her.  So, as you can see she has 3 layers of shirts.  Nate & I are thinking she is very fashion forward.  Style could very well look like this in a year!  She did layer smart.  Tee shirt first, then sleeveless shirt then comes the halter- of course the top layer has to be purple!

She is very much into doing EVERYTHING herself.  She will say in a very snotty manner "do it mySELF".  The "SELF" is a rude yell.  So, unless you want an all out fit- it will take all day to get out of the house because she wants to put her clothes on (which she doesn't know how to do yet) by herSELF.

Let the fun begin...

We had two of my girlfriends and families over last night to celebrate New Year's Eve. Everyone brought amazing food/appetizers and we ate all night long. All the kids played so great and we even got some adult talking in! It was a fun time. We missed everyone that couldn't make it but it was a fun small group. Nathan & I like to bring in ping pong lovers and whoop up on them! Everyone left at 10pm. Jackson came running into our room scared and crying with fireworks going off around 11pm- I guess it was a practice round. Luckily, he was fast asleep by the time they went off at midnight. Nathan & I popped in a movie and were able to make it till midnight... not a minute after though! Liza. I have first dibs on adopting this child. I want to keep her. She was posing for me all night. Jackson & Bryson. This is Jackson's new funny/mean/silly face. We have a joke where he makes that face and I turn him around to change him into "nice boy". Jackson loved having Bryson over to play and Bryson was upset he couldn't sleep over. Jordan & Kate on the plasma car. It was a hit lastnight. Jon & Kristin- enjoying a 2 kid night. Maury, Melissa and Ms. Stella.