:: finally five ::

Mr. Alden Jack turned five this week!

Eating birthday pancakes! [or frozen waffles....because mom forgot to pick up eggs...]

Ald decided to go with an emergency theme for his party; fire, police and EMT units. If you know me, you know I love a theme! 

Our first game paid homage to those police officers who watch out for our safety everyday. In their honor, we ate donuts.....donuts hanging from strings, that is. And did I mention, no hands?  :-)

Even the adults couldn't stay away from armless donut-eating....

We also took mugshots of the kids...

We then moved on to Alden's idea for an activity. Each kid got to be wrapped, gauzed, and taped up with first aid supplies [and toilet paper]. Their adult partner then shared a story with how the injuries were acquired. Hilarious. They loved it.

Pitiful party guests.

Then, it was time to chow down....sloppy joes and some cleverly-titled snacks....

The party wrapped up with a cute pinata designed to look like a robber.....

that Grandma Andie is so crafty :-)

Such a big boy!

:: fall, family, football....cabin style ::

:: hangin' at hartley ::

Living so close to Hartley affords us the opportunity to hop on the trail at the drop of a hat. I truly love having this in our backyard.

Owen, Alden and Sluggie the slug.

:: trapezoidal merriment ::

With one friend moved home and another visiting with her squishy, dimple-clad baby, we were able to pull off an entire day together, only one short of a complete trapezoid (we missed you tons, Tina!). We spent the morning at the fall fest. Man, just laying in the sunshine and chatting was amazing. No children, no deadlines, no cleaning.......just friends and quiet peacefulness. Heaven.

We then headed down to Sir Ben's and let me tell you, if afforded the opportunity to have a beer in the middle of the day, we better be able to enjoy it without being swarmed by bitchy hornets. Some crafty tinfoil covers and beer-filled caps as hornet attractions later, all was well.

We enjoyed some yummy apps and some more local beer...

...and ended the evening with some delicious sushi and bedtime by 10. It was a great day, but we were just plain tired. Sleep is just as appealing as dancing these days. :-)

Love these lovely ladies times a million.