Well Done

This is how you end a long week at school....watching tv on the couch with your best buds...

All Dressed Up

Of the two birthday parties, trip to Raleigh, and Father-Daughter dance I attended, I managed to get almost no pictures.  The question I have of you is should I be mad at myself for that or proud of myself for that???

At least I got this one of my beautiful daughter with her friend....

On the Go

Friday included working, a 3-hour drive to surprise a friend for his 40th birthday, and staying up until 3am.

Saturday included a 3-hour drive home, going to the Father-Daughter dance with the most beautiful girl in the world, and having ice cream at 10pm.

Today included spending hours at a trampoline park wrangling crazy 8 year-olds for Everett's birthday party. 

Time for sleep. 

Easy Living

As we've done the last few years, Everett and I went on our annual "Men's Night Out" trip.  Essentially, we get a hotel room somewhere around town and do whatever we want for a full day and night.  We love the ladies in our family, but this gives us a chance to spend some one on one time.  This year, our debauchery included going to the movies, bowling, going to the arcade, swimming in the indoor pool, and crushing a half dozen Krispy Kreme's in the hotel bed.  Killed it.

My man knows how to "chillax" (as he likes to say)...

Why change out of your pajamas when they'll just bring the breakfast directly to your room??...

8

My absolutely favorite man on the planet turned 8 today.  He's smart.  He's handsome.  He's loving.  He's one of the funniest kids you'll ever meet.  I couldn't be any more proud of him.

 Happy Birthday, buddy. I love you with all my heart.

41

I turned 41 years old yesterday.  Some would say that's old.  Some would say that is young.  I would say it depends on the day.  It was a great birthday as it always is.  I woke up to gifts and cards and went to bed with ice cream cake.  That's about as good as a day gets.  Now, no time to rest and reflect on me....my man is turning 8 in 3 days!

Rock Star

Thanks to getting his new rock tumbler for Christmas, Everett is on the hunt for gems.  I'd like to say he's just really interested in geology, but mostly it is a money thing.  He's certain he'll be able to sell them for top dollar. I don't have the heart to tell him he's waiting on a 28-day tumbling cycle to end up with pretty, but valueless rocks.

Shot Down

I'm guessing when Olive was basking in the sun, punishing this stick yesterday, she didn't suspect she'd wake up this morning to get 3 shots, blood drawn, and her temperature taken "the hard way".  Then again, I didn't know the vet bill for an annual checkup was going to be $400. I'm not sure which of us were beat down worse by the surprise. 

All Smiles

I'm not sure if Olive is uncontrollably happy these days or not.  However, what I do know is the fur on her face leaves her looking like she's smiling when she wakes up from her naps....and I love it....

Active Parent

There's no time to be an active person if you're trying to be an active parent.  For instance, in the last 48 hours, Meggan and I have:

- taken the kids to the movies
- taken Everett to his basketball practice and game
- helped Amelia memorize the capitals, shapes, and abbreviations for the United States
- found guitar lessons for Everett
- arranged two sleepovers for Amelia
- arranged a birthday party for Everett's 8th birthday
- worked with Amelia on finding the area of various shapes for math
- signed up both kids for soccer
- signed up as a head coach for soccer
- shot baskets in the driveway

Sure, it's a lot of time.  But, when you see things like Ev dribbling down the court with his way-too-big jersey tucked into his way-too-high shorts to score a basket, it's all worth it...

Paying the Price

For the first time on New Year's Eve, my man made it all the way to midnight....

 ....and this was him at almost 10am this morning....long nights result in rough mornings (unless you're Amelia, who was up long before the sun as usual)...