Grandparent's Day at Violet's School

Grandparent's Day (or VIP Day as the school calls it) is a very interesting morning for me. This is probably one of the only times where Violet doesn't seem that interested in having me around. She's so busy looking around for her friends and anxious to get school started.

We did start out with a cinnamon roll in the cafeteria then headed to the book fair.

As long as Violet and Benton go to the same school, I'll continue to get a picture with Violet, Benton, me and Benton's grandmother, Monica. Monica and I graduated high school together. It's funny how things keep you together even after 45 years.

Lincoln's Birthday Party Continues

When your dad's a fireman, where better to have for a birthday theme party than at the fire station.

About 12 of Lincoln's friends showed up at the Lone Jack Fire Station. The party started with a fireman's relay where the kids ran an obstacle course ending with suiting up for a fire.

Jamie then let the kids explore the ambulance and fire truck trying to explain details to these little kids. Surprisingly, they all loved it. At the end of Jamie's presentation, he asked if there were any questions. One little boy raised his hand and asked "when do we get cake?"!!! It was hilarious.

While I didn't participate in any of the preparation or party, I did enjoy watching all the kids.

Once again, Happy Birthday Lincoln. You're growing up way too fast.

My 4 Year Old Lincoln

Nothing like spending the day with Lincoln as he celebrates his 4th birthday.

We started at Get Air Trampoline Park where Lincoln and Jamie bounced on trampolines, climbed swinging ladders, played dodge ball and generally had a good old 4 year old time while Hazel, Melissa and I watched. Then it was off to McDonald's before taking a little nap before meeting with the family for dinner.

Since Ted's Mexican Restaurant closed, we went to Rancho Grande for our Mexican dinner fix. Lincoln was so excited to get his cheeseburger cake (it was actually very tasty for a Target cake). Presents included remote control monster trucks (large and small), puzzles, legos, golf clubs and Melissa's favorite - a nerf ball gun and arcade (thanks Uncle Michael)!

I couldn't believe I needed to reserve a table for 10!!! Yikes, is my family actually getting that big! Happy Birthday Lincoln!

Snowy Halloween

Nothing like waking up to snow the end of October.

I don't know whether it's folklore, an old wives tale or the Farmer's Almanac, but I've heard that on the date of the first measurable snowfall of the year, in this case the 30th, that's the number of snowfalls you'll have for that winter. If that's the case, this winter isn't looking very good. Let's not even think about the number of times I'll have to shovel my driveway (the HOA only does it when it snows 3 inches or more) but think about the cold. I better leave town now.

The good part is I got to spend the afternoon with Lincoln and Hazel. Melissa went to Violet's school to help with her Halloween party and kids aren't allowed. Yes, believe it or not, Melissa left Hazel alone with me!

Earlier in the day, Melissa got a picture of Hazel dressed just as Violet dressed on her first Halloween. You can't expect a 7 month old to wear this costume all day long let alone go trick or treating.

After Melissa got home with Violet, we ran to Culver's for dinner before going to see Jamie at the fire station. As the temperatures were starting to drop again, I begged off and headed home before Melissa took the kids trick or treating at their old neighborhood. All in all, the day was good and bad. Let's keep our fingers crossed there isn't 30 snowfalls this year!!!!

Hazel - 7 Months Old

Look who turned 7 months old!

Little miss Hazel has found scooting around on her booty gets her places quite a bit faster than crawling - although she's real close. She pulls up on her knees, has three teeth and even eats food from the table. But the biggest, brightest thing about this precious baby is she's always smiling!

Violet's First Slumber Party

Violet was invited to her first slumber party with 2 of her classmates from school. She was a little hesitant about spending the night so the original plan was just to spend the evening with her friends then come home. But Violet was having such a good time, she decided to stay the night.

Melissa was in total crazy mom mode, missing Violet and even sleeping with Mimi. Violet survived but I'm not sure about Melissa. I would have been dancing in the street with one less kid to worry about!

Hazel Crawling?????

When do you actually consider when a baby crawls or takes her first steps?

Well we're counting this as Hazel crawling. She's not zipping along but at least she's trying!