Friday, January 30, 2015

Happy 3rd Birthday Walter!



Wally had a three day birthday party, lucky boy! A few days before the actual day we had the Varner family over for a little party. It was warmer outside, so per Wally's request, the bouncy house came out for the first time of the year.




He opened presents from Kennedy, Parker, Hazel and Gus.


By far his favorite toy of the night.

Cupcakes and ice cream! Silly boys!

Three years old!

The girls were a little less crazy and more focused on the goodies.


A few days later, we had a little family celebration on his actual birthday. Wally had been asking for a "train cake" for months, so thanks to a mold grandma Sue found, I was able to make one for him.




We had supper and played games at Chuck E. Cheese's.



Now that he's three he can ride the bumper cars!


Playing on the iPad has really increased his arcade driving skills. I was actually pretty impressed.




And more presents from mommy and daddy, and from extended family in the mail.


Happy birthday little man! I'll update you all more on his health and disposition after Wally's well check up next week.













Saturday, January 17, 2015

January Fun

On a cold, cooped up winter break day, Josh took the kids to Toys R Us to spend their Christmas money. They looked at toys for over an hour! Of course Miss Hazel picked out a How to Train Your Dragon weapon set.

The principal called to tell us that she and his teacher has noticed how great Gus has been doing! I took him to Red Robin to celebrate.

Somehow, only $1.25 in, he managed to actually win a stuffed animal in the grabber machine! 

It had been so cold over break that one day I took the younger kids to a mall and just let them run wild. They loved the play area.

My little cuties.

They also enjoyed the tornado simulation machine.


Nap time snuggles with my baby bear.

Warmer weather this week has gotten us outside more, thank goodness!








Harlem Globe Trotters

Josh gave Hazel and Gus Harlem Globe Trotters tickets for Christmas and they had a blast today!


Gus loved the break dancers, of course!



Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Fun for Gus


Gus's first sleep over was a success. He earned 32 Panther Paws last semester so he saved them all up and earned his very first sleep over during holiday break.


Poor Josh managed to maintain democracy during a game of Trouble and a game of Sorry. Six and 7 year old boys can get very competitive, and emotional!



The boys were so cute. The hardest part was keeping poor, jealous Hazel away from them. She didn't really understand that this was for Gus, and he had clearly posted a sign on the basement door that she was not allowed downstairs during the event. He cracked a little and did let Walter and Hazel eat pizza with him and his friends though.


School started back up for Gus and I this week. This was our traditional back-to-school breakfast date on Tuedsay morning.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Happy New Year 2015!

New Years's celebrations used to mean renting hotel rooms, partying at bars, throwing big house parties, or even driving to sunny states to watch the Hawkeyes in bowl games on New Year's Day.

Our last several have been a little different, but just as much fun. Our little family of 5 had a really great New Year's celebration.


Dance Party!

Yummy snacks!



Only Gus and Hazel made it past the board games and movie. They were pretty tired but stayed up to throw streamers and watch the ball drop.





Christmas break fun!

We have sooooo many new toys to play with! The train has been a hit- thanks Gma and papa D.


A warmer day allowed us to go play at the park by our house one afternoon.


New fireman costume.

The ostrich theory...

Another Anna costume.

An American girl doll!

Baby doll dress up party. 

Snuggling with my favorite two year old.

The kids all got headphones from Gma and papa M.

Making chocolate chip cookies.

A trip to Monkey Business.


We met a friend of Hazel's there.