Surprising the King

My husband is a self-proclaimed King of Surprises.  So, what better way to ring in his birthday this year than with a surprise party for HIM!!  A whole day/night without kids.  A dinner downtown.  A night at the Casino. Oh, and about 14 friends patiently awaiting to surprise him.

 

 

 

I learned that trying to "plan" something for Mr. Fly-by -the seat of- your- pants, is not as easy as it may appear.  Who would've known that there would be a concert downtown creating massive traffic, or that the restaurant was literally feet away from the concert venue, or that even booking reservations weeks ahead didn't matter b/c they were running over an hour behind?!  Regardless, it all worked out, and a good night was had by all...especially the birthday boy.  He even went home the  BIG winner...his last hand at black jack won him $400!

Happy Bday, Jer!  Love you!

 

Tubin!

We were tired of cabin fever and hit the road one Saturday morning for a day of fun. This Winter has been brutal, and with the frigid temps, we have not been able to enjoy the snow as much as we have in the past.  On a warm 30 degree day (seriously, that's warm compared to the negative temps we've been experiencing) we joined my parents church for a day of tubing.  This is something that we have talked about doing, but were waiting until Caleb was a bit older. We had the best time!  The kid's had no fear and LOVED everything about the experience:  riding up the hill on a snow escalator, riding down the trails at super speeds, and refueling at the snack bar.  We only took a few rides together as a family, because the kids loved flying down by themselves without the added weight slowing them down.  This is definitely something we will make a tradition.  Maybe next year we will try getting them up on ski's! 

 

 

 

Snow Days

We have had quite the Winter.  We have gotten a good deal of snow, and our fair share of below freezing temperatures.  Jeremy got a chance to break out his new Christmas shovel.  He is among the few who enjoy bundling up and shoveling.  I captured the picture above when I was putting laundry away one snowy day.  It is the quintessential snow picture!  As annoying as the snow can get, I do love it!

We enjoyed a rarity this Winter too....snow rollers.  I never knew they existed until this Winter.  We were lucky enough to have a backyard full of them, so of course, I had to get a picture of my kid's holding one.  Who knows, it could be another 38 years before we see them again!

 

So cool! 

 We have also gotten some days off school due to Winter weather. So far, we have used 4 calamity days!  The majority of them have been for dangerously low temperatures....like -35 degree weather, with wind chill. Yikes!

Total whiteout!

The kid's enjoyed a sibling sleepover in Kenzie's room two nights in a row.  I had breakfast waiting outside the door that morning and they stayed in until after 9 a.m....which means, Mommy got to sleep in!  Win-Win!

 

But don't worry, school teacher Mom came up with some at-home activities to keep them occupied.  No learning was lost here!

 

We also enjoyed some family sledding on the big hill down the street.

 

Weeeeee!

Okay Winter, we have had our fun with you, can you please bring back Spring?

 

happy birthday mom

happy birthday mom hope you had a good birthday  love you to the moon and back

a I love you so much
b you are pretty as a pecock
c cute as me
d mom happy birthday
mom love you bunchis

for youre birthday we want to house of japan

we wint out for icecrem

you are a good mom

1 you are a graet mom I love you

2i love how you play games with me
3 win I am sick you always tack good care of me
4 win you make snoman hot cakes ;)
I love you and you love me to the moon and back

I hope you like your presints

 

 

 

love

Mackenzie

Birthday Post...for my Wife

Jill has been blogging about our family for over 6 years and has continually asked me to be a make a guest appearance.  Well, for a guy that isn't even on Facebook, it's not been an easily fulfilled request. 

Well, in honor of her 3?th Birthday, I wanted to take some time and Buzz bomb the blog!  So, in true Dave Letterman fashion and in no particular order, here are the 10 things I love about Jill:

10.   Because she loves her friends and is extremely loyal to them
9.     Because she is very organized and has helped minimize my hoarding tendencies
8.     Because she is the most forgiving person I know...and puts up with me!
7.     Because people love to be around her
6.     Because she supports and appreciates my love for all things Ohio State
5.     Because she is an amazing grand-daughter/daughter/sister and would do anything for her family
4.     Because she is not high maintenance!
3.     Because she is an extraordinary wife & mother of our kids
2.     Because, for some inconceivable reason, she loves me
1.     Because I couldn't imagine living another day without her, and I couldn't imagine being an Old Buzzard without having her as my old lady.


Happy Birthday Jilly Bean!

I love you,

Jeremy

Caleb's 4th Birthday!

It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that my sweet baby boy is 4 years old!  They say time flies when you are having fun, and we have been moving at warp speed. 

Caleb, you are such a blessing to our lives.  You are so full of joy and happiness.  You are not a complainer and are a people pleaser.  You are extremely active and have one volume...extra loud.  You excel at sports, and have really grown into a little boy this year. You know your letters and their sounds, days of the week, months of the year, and so much more!  You love to be a helper and have the kindest heart. 

This year, we had a Jake and the Neverland Pirates Party for you, complete with a pirate pinata. Your favorite part!  Here are some pictures and videos from your special celebration.

Cake!

Pinata Time!

 

 

 

Pin the Dabloon on the Treasure Map

 

 

Arrrrrr!

 

Here are some of your favorites as a 4 year old:

color: red
food: chicken nuggets and fries with ranch and ketchup
snack: yogurt drinks and applesauce
restaurant:  Old McDonald's
toys: cars, and your new nerf gun
shows: jake and the neverland pirates
movies: Toy Story and Cars

Christmas 2013

We woke up Christmas morning and ripped into the presents. Of course, isn't that what Christmas is all about when your an adult, I mean kid?!

 

 

 

Then it was off to Grandma and Grandpa's house for Round 2. 

We stayed the night and then returned back home, cleaned up the mess we left behind Christmas morning, and waited for my sister and family of 7 to arrive.  It was a jam packed 48 hours, but we wouldn't have had it any other way!

 

Christmas Round 3!

 

 

 

 

 

Making Memories:  Movie Time!

Visiting Great-Grandma Monty for another Christmas

 

 

Zoo Lights:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dinner out for 14.  Restaurants love us!  :)

Playing!

 

 

 

American Girl and Lego store Trip:

 

 

  

It was a very, very, Merry Christmas.  We are truly blessed to have been able to be with all sides of our family. There is truly no better gift!  The perfect way to end 2013!