1st sign of Spring

 Last Friday was going to be the warmest day of the year so far. So, along with the rest of Baltimore County, we headed to the park. The boys and I checked out a new park with two playgrounds, lots of fields and a long walking path. They played a little bit and then we enjoyed a picnic lunch next to the playground...they liked being able to nibble and go. I love days like these...

Joey's Birthday Party!

We had to delay Joey's birthday party with his friends until after the playoffs were over to make sure Daddy could be there. Once we started to recover from our loss to the "stinky" Steelers, as Joey call them, the planning began. It was determined, 6 months ago, that the theme would be The Backyardigans and specifically the Surf's Up episode. Joey wanted to have a bounce party again (we are kind of limited at this time of year) and luckily we found a place, JumpZone, that was different from last year. So, I had to figure out how to pull off the theme while having only a small party room to use. I think it worked out ok as there were no complaints from the boy in charge :). Each child received a lei as they entered the party room...I found palm tree and surfboard cupcake toppers...Vases of play sand with small palm trees and stuffed characters made the centerpieces....Of course, there were alot of balloons and the favors were sandbuckets with a BY cup, BY playing cards, a sand rake and sunglasses.

It was so fun to watch the kids in Joey's class outside of the classroom. They are so cute together! They jumped until they couldn't jump anymore and then it was time for pizza and cupcakes. When it came time to sing "Happy Birthday", Joe and I were standing next to Joey and Jack was on the otherside of the table. As soon as the singing started, Jack freaked out and started crying while running circles around Joe's mom. It was the first time he had heard the song since the infamous sparkler incident, so I think Jack thought it meant another sparkler! It was too funny, but we felt we had to explain why he started acting like a child possessed. :) When we got home, Jack had already crashed for a nap and Joey asked if he could stay up and open his presents. I think he enjoyed 1) not having to take a nap and 2) getting "quiet" time to enjoy his presents without worrying if little man was going to come jump in the middle. Until next year...actually he just told me this morning that he already knows what kind of party he wants to have next year. I guess I should start planning ;)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sledding

We didn't get our first major snowfall until the end of January and it was a good one...not too much, not too little. Perfect for going sledding down the hill behind our house.  So, we bundled the kids up and took them out and they both loved it! Neither one of them were scared and I think they would have stayed out all day had their hands not gotten cold. Joey sat like an old pro, but Jack looked like a little lugger. When a neighborhood friend, Marcus, came out, Joey was so excited to take a turn on his tube.  We ended the fun with a cup of hot chocolate. Although, neither one of them actually drank the hot chocolate, they just ate the marshmellows!

National Champions

Joe and I were lucky enough to travel to Phoenix and watch Auburn play for the National Championship. It was a long, quick trip...but TOTALLY worth it! The experience was amazing!  

 Post game celebration

The boys in their Cam jerseys (a Christmas gift from the Foster family) watching from home!