Friday, May 17, 2013

Mother's Day



Kierce was really excited to give me this giant and very special Mother's Day card first thing in the morning. 


...and she sees me with owl's eye vision, a wrist lazor and fire boots!  How much better can it get?


This was the most precious Mother's Day gift.  Thank you Kierce <3


This was the first year I have had so many surprises on my special day!  (from left to right)  A teapot from my neighbor Alex, she knows I use a pan to boil water for tea often.  She is so thoughtful!  Ryan surprised me with panniers for my bike, so now I can get groceries on my bike without having to stuff my backpack full!  While Rowan went on a field trip to Knott's Theme Park, I went on a longtime promised date with Kierce the night before Mother's Day.  Ryan and Merrick were excited to have a date between themselves.  Well they must have gone on a shopping adventure, when we got home, I saw a bike parked outside that looked unfamiliar.  I was blown away when I realized it was my bike with panniers because A) my sweetie is not big into gift giving B) he usually tells me about a surprise before he can actually surprise me! lol  Needless to say, I was SUPER DUPER blown away.  When the kiddos went on a little trip with my neighbor and friend Alex and Abigail, I had a feeling they had something up their sleeve.  I was right.  The necklace I am holding in my hand was created by them.  They each chose a charm to make a unique necklace for their mama.  I am so, so blessed!     

***
After going to church in the morning with the girls, we relaxed in the park behind our home...well they relaxed, and I did some weeding.


Now Merrick is up...


...and now he is down.


Ryan had a sleepy day on Mother's Day, so this was the perfect place to spend some time.


It was a great day!


...and look at all the flowers I ended up with...so blessed.



And just when I thought all the fun was over, I receive a package in the mail.  My mom and dad sent me a Bill Knapp's white birthday cake, something I have not had in probably 23 years.  Bill Knapp's is non existent now besides selling baked goods in some supermarkets.  Years ago, even when the restaurants were still open, they stopped making the white birthday cakes.  This was my favorite birthday cake growing up, besides my Grandma Long's red velvet cake.  If you dined at Bill Knapp's on your birthday, you could choose between a chocolate or a white cake.  I would always choose the white cake.  A flavor I have craved for years.  Thank you so much Mom and Dad for sending such a thoughtful gift!!!  I love and miss you so much!!!  A dream come true for sure <3 

Monday, May 6, 2013

Cookie Monster Turns 35 & Party in the Park



Ryan wanted pizza for his birthday, so we had fun trying out a new pizza place after picking him up from work!  He was also showered with cookies for dessert, and a membership to the science center!


...thank you Uncle Dave for giving us a date!


Mmm...yummy burrito at a new mexican restaurant.  That's the great thing about coupons, they allow you to try new things!


The cookie monster can be sneaky...


The Party in the Park was very windy, but fun!  Here are some pictures from the event!



...and great to see friends we haven't seen in a while!


Rowan injured her foot playing on her swivel board this week.  Since she is such a healthy young girl, we are hoping it will heal quickly.  





...and I finally caught a picture of the cookie monster in action! lol