Happy Birthday Todd!

Happy 34th to my darling hubby!

So, what did the Birthday boy get? well, yesterday he got this:



That's right... it's back to school for the big guys! Daddy used his quiet day to get his arm tattoo worked on. it's been 1/2 done and looking pretty sad for a long time.

The big boys had a great first day. They love their new teachers and are very excited about a new year!

I got to spend the day monkeying around with Colin... and speaking of Monkeys and Colin... he had his party on Sunday:

overall, an extra good extra long weekend!

Party Round Up - In Pictures!

When Todd and I were married, we alked out of the church and there was a double rainbow straight ahead. It was a bright sunny day not a drop of rain - just the two rainbows. On Thursday, our 9th anniversary, we were driving up I-95 on the way to my Self Defense class (we all got to throw Todd!) and there was this right in front of us this whole way.



It doesnt show up well int his picture (which my Mom took at her house which is nowhere near I-95) but there are 2 rainbows there. Amazing!

Andy's party in pictures:

Today was my nephew Jimmy's birthday party:

Amazing

Todd is in the hospital. The kids are at the Grandparents' house. It is just me and the cat in a very quiet, empty house (how do people live alone?). Andy's party is at our house on Saturday, so I thought I'd take advantage of the lack of little dictators to get a jump on the party prep/cleaning.

There is an interesting phenomenon occurring in my house this week.

When I clean something - it stays clean! I mean "nobody" was making the messes to begin with, so why is it that suddenly there are no new messes? What a coincidence that the only human in the house is me.

The Birthday Bash

The big 5 party continued Friday evening. Ryan got to open the rest of his gifts from Mom, Dad, Andy, Colin, my parents and my sister after Karate on Friday.



He unwrapped Colin's gift first. As he tore off the paper he exclaimed "Knitting Needles! COOL!" I really love that kid- and I really wish I got this on video instead of stills. As excited as he was about getting his own knitting needles, he was probably a bit more excited once he realized they they were NOT knitting needles, but drum sticks.





Andy got him a drum pad to practice on (we have real - and loud- drums already). Mommy & Daddy got him lessons!




Grandma got him a chef jacket and embroidered his name one it. she also got him some refrigerated cookie dough. We made cookies after his party on Saturday.



He had a blast at the party. I think all the kids did. They got to ride on the zip line





- like the Batman on his cake!


They learned some Martial Arts moves.



Played some games.





Did an obstacle course.












And some jousting.







And the coolest part? Colin took 2 steps at the party! FINALLY!