Lots of Visitors

Last weekend, Veronica, Brandon and Sophie came up to stay for the weekend. I had a fabulous time with my sister - getting our nails done, going shopping and just spending time together. Not to mention chasing Miss Sophie Mae around all weekend! The girl has ENERGY that doesn't stop! What a cutie-pie.

This past weekend, we arranged for Anna and Livia to come over to spend the night. I tell ya what, the air popper is the best gift we registered for - our nieces and nephew love it! It keeps them quite entertained. We got pizza, rented movies (with popcorn, of course!), made bracelets and played games. I was a little worried how they would do, since they had never spent the night at our house before . . . I didn't want them to be afraid. But they did great! Anna is such a good big sister and Livia just cracked us up! Everytime Livia would start to say something, Anna would interrupt and Livia would hold her hand up and say, "Anna, I'm talking. I'M TALKING ANNA!" SO funny coming from an almost 4 year-old!

Saturday, we had plans to take the girls to Chuckie Cheese. Beforehand, Brook got up and took them to get donuts and hot cocoa at the local coffee shop, while I got ready. Right after they got home, there was a knock on the door. Hmm, who could it be? I thought it was our neighbors and was a tad annoyed that they came in through our garage and didn't go to the front door. (Long story behind that one.) Anywho, the door opens and Connor and Maria come running in to give me a giant hug! (Their parents & Julia were right behind them.) Everyone was in on it to surprise me! And what an AWESOME surprise it was! We all went up to Chuckie Cheese and Anna and Livia had a great time playing with Maria and Connor. And I think Anna seriously wants another baby sister (Hehe, April). It was a fabulous day . . . no other way to describe it. We are so blessed.

My Favorite Cowboy

Connor, AKA "Woody" from Toy Story, turned 2 at the end of February. My adorable little Godson is getting so big, sometimes I forget he is just 2! He is becoming quite the little man and never wants to be left out of what his big sister is doing. It is so fun watching him grow up!

39 Again???

After Julia's party, we drove back to GR for Brook's Dad's birthday party at Kobe, a Japanese steakhouse. I am a newbie to these restaurants and absolutely LOVE them! Saying the food is great would be an understatement. Heck, it should be with all the butter they add. Can you say clogged arteries??? And the entertainment of having our own personal chef is worth the price tag. The best part of the night, of course, was that Brook's dad had a great time. He deserves it for all he does for all of us!

Nice and tan after getting back from Cozumel

Thanks for ruining the picture Trent ;)

Meghan is thinking

'I can't believe he just put that much butter in the rice.'

Priceless photo!

Pretty Little Princess

2 weekends ago we celebrated another 1st birthday - our niece, Julia's. My SIL handmade the most adorable princess invitations. (She also has 3 children 3 years-old and under. Where she finds the energy / time to do so much is beyond me. The woman is my hero!) Julia was hilarious - she didn't like being sung to (we had to sing "Happy Birthday" really low, so she wouldn't cry) and ate her cake with a spoon! I love these kids!

Happy with her spoon

FABULOUS Cake!!!

Uh oh, here comes Sophie to help!

Superbowl Weekend

Saturday evening, we got the pleasure of attending my cousin Norma's 60th surprise birthday party in Kalamazoo. Norma is one of my first cousins on my dad's side! It was really nice to get together with that side of the family, b/c we don't get to see them very much.



Sunday, my parents were having their annual Superbowl party. This is a party that has been happening for the last 20 years with good family friends of ours who also had 4 kids. We decided not to go since we had had gone down to Kalamazoo the night before. This was the 1st year I was going to miss the party. Wellllllll, we got out of church at 1 and Brook said, "If we leave now, we could make it in time. You know it would mean a lot to your mom if we came." Why not? What's 2 hours in the car on a Sunday afternoon? (Oh, and another 2 Sunday night.)

So, we drove down and got there in time to enjoy a fabulous Mexican fiesta. (I am so hungry as I type this right now!) We then played BINGO. LOL, I know. But it's a tradition and we have to play and we get pretty darn serious about our BINGO. We are all Catholic, after all! I would've won the coverall (= $10), but I was helping Maria with her card and missed a number being called. That's what you get for helping people! Haha! :-)

The games then changed to LCR, one of the newer traditions of the party. I. LOVE. THIS. GAME. (Gosh, it really sounds like this is a GAMBLING party, not a Superbowl party, huh? LOL) At one point, I had 8 dollar bills and in the end (once again) was so close to winning, but (sigh) didn't.

Then, the REAL game began . . . I honestly didn't care who won, but decided to root for the Saints. And they won! It was a fun day and I'm glad we made the trip to be there.

Lookin' good in heels!

Peyton Manning would be proud! ;)

"The Grandpas" playing LCR

Reading at 1, what smart babies. Hahaha!

Go Saints! Woooo hoooooooo!

What a Lovable Face

Happy 1st birthday Julia Joanne!

Winter ONEderland

Last weekend, we celebrated Sophie's first brithday. Veronica planned a "Winter ONEderland" party and it was adorable! I tell you what, I never knew knew I could love a little one this much, until these rugrats were born. I can't imagine what it will be like to have kids of my own someday!

"I want my cake!!"

"Where'd my cake go?"

"Why do you get all the presents?"

"Hey Connor, leave my toy alone!"

I think this toy was the hit of the day!