Happy 65th Birthday To Me!

As much as I thought I'd fall apart turning 65, the day was actually very good.

KCP&L had their annual Christmas party that day and I just pretended it was a giant party for me.

For dinner I met Michael at Harrah's to try out the new Gordon Ramsay's Steakhouse. I think it's the same steakhouse as before with a fancier name and higher prices.

But the funniest gift of all was from Michele. I nag Melissa to get age defining shirts for the kids for their birthdays. Well Michele thought it would be funny to get me one for mine. I like that the age is in months instead of years. It takes people longer to do the math!

Surprise Birthday Party

I had a feeling Melissa and Michael were going to throw me a surprise party for my 65th birthday. There were just too many things that seemed out of the ordinary.

But as I was walking into the restaurant at Harrah's, I wasn't even thinking about a party. I was looking for Violet and Lincoln.

I was totally surprised not so much by the party but by the people who showed up. I just left Michele in Chicago and there she was along with family and friends.

I had told Violet earlier in the week that I didn't want Melissa to put 65 candles on my cake. I didn't need to set off the fire system with that many candles. 

But the cake was beautiful and Violet helped me blow out the candles.

I can't begin to thank everyone who came and the effort put into planning this. Surprise parties are extremely overwhelming and stressful hopping from table to table to visit with everyone. I definitely needed a nap after the party.

Thanksgiving in Chicago

I can't remember the last time someone cooked a Thanksgiving dinner for me. I've been threatening to go to Chicago for the past several years because Bruce and Courtney always cook Thanksgiving dinner for Michele.

So this was the year to go. I'm always nervous traveling when I have to try and navigate where I'm going without the convenience of a cab. But I boarded that plane in Kansas City, arrived in Chicago and found my way to the train to meet Michele in downtown Chicago.

After a brief stop at our hotel, we literally pushed our way through the streets of Chicago (the wind was so strong) to meet Courtney for lunch.

Then it was a long day shopping on Michigan Avenue. With my birthday only a week away, I was a little selfish and just bought things for myself.

Thanksgiving day we headed to Courtney's condo for a traditional turkey dinner. While Bruce was slaving away in the kitchen, Michele, Courtney and I played some game Michele brought. I don't know the name of it nor do I want to. I think Michele just brought it because she knew she could win.

The next day I found my way to the train station to come back home.

The trip was fast and fun but I have to admit I missed my family. Maybe all the chaos is worth it in the end and I have left over turkey and dressing!

Hazel - 8 Months Old

Another month has gone by and Hazel is another month older.

At 8 months she's pulling up, has 4 teeth and perfecting the art of crawling. I can't decide whether she'll walk soon or continue with a high speed crawl to keep up with Violet and Lincoln.

Christmas Decorations

I decided to cut down on the number of stuffed animals I put around my tree this Christmas.

It was hard to decide which ones to put out and which ones to keep in the bins. Each time I picked up one of my Christmas animals, I thought about having to put them away after Christmas.

I even minimized the number of outdoor decorations. The only problem was I bought new things. I couldn't resist this elf with a letter to Santa.

I must have stood in front of this train display for an hour debating whether or not I wanted to buy it. As you can see, I have no will power.

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.