Party Time

Today we celebrated Connor's 3rd birthday (actually on the 10th, but this weekend worked best). As you can see, he was pretty happy about the whole thing and I think everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly. It was good to see the kids getting together, and to see Connor and Ryan playing with their cousins and friends.

The food was great, and we had the Fannons, and Maxwells join us for the evening. As for presents, we enjoyed a large pile of wrapped PJ's, toys and candy galore. The night that followed, was great, and after forcing Ryan and Kayla to actually fall asleep, we watched the green mile. The house is still a disaster area, and I'm sure that we'll be cleaning up for days. At the end of the night, I was happy to have a little time to blog and take a few pictures of the evening sky.

The Knight Who's Armor Didn't Squeek

It feels almost impossible that last night I posted my blog at this computer. Jeeze... And in between I drove to New Jersey, celebrated a 5 year old's birthday twice and probably had more conversation with everyone there than I did at Christmas time and then drove back. We arrived late last night and the kids jumped into bed and woke up early to make coffee with Grandpa. Yes, once again... on a day off I got to see the sunrise. I figured that since this was the last morning that we'd see above 32 degrees for a while, that we'd take a walk and enjoy the lake. I do forget how beautiful it is there in the mornings. Then off to a crazy 5 year-olds inflatable party. Ryan and Connor had a blast and then came back to a tough nap. After a 45 Min snooze, we headed up to Lisa's house for another 4 hour party.

During the second party, Ryan latched on to an 8 year old girl named Madison. He had met her before, but tonight she was dressed as a princess and he was a knight. They hid in a closet for a bit... I jumped in to scare them and Ryan the brave jumped to her defense. Later on, I asked Ryan if he liked her... then told me: "She's cute and all, but I don't want to tell you that, cause you might tease me." I didn't.

See all Kayla's birthday pictures

We got dressed in jammies and then headed back to CT. I turned off the movies and we had quiet time, until Connor broke into song (Frosty, the Snowman, of course) and after an hour of that, I put on baby Einstein. Ryan passed out, and Connor stayed awake (quietly though) for the rest of the ride.

Tomorrow, Lise is thinking of seeing her Mom, and we MAY go to the Flamingo Place. Right now, it's late, and my princess is already asleep, so I'm going to hop into my shining armor pajamas and go to bed.

Christmas break musings.

We're almost finished with Christmas. It's like the holiday that never ends. I like it because I get to see family and friends that I don't normally get an opportunity to see, however, I get so exhausted in the process that I feel happy to be back at home for a day or two after the visitation is over. :)

Here are the pictures so far....




Today we have some more friends stopping by and tomorrow I am going to start installing hardwood floors in Ryan's room if this cold I have brewing doesn't overcome me in the morning.

This year, I completed a kitchen renovation that took about 5 days of time, and with the help of my family, we completely gutted and replaced my kitchen. It was hard work, but I loved the results:

Kitchen Renovation

I have since installed new flooring into my bedroom and my brother-in-law helped me install some recessed lighting in our living room. Next will be Ryan's and Connor's rooms along with gutting the three bathrooms. (eek) Lise and I are excited about the transformation, but we have to get some trim work completed and a few weekend projects done before we can get our teeth into the baths. Who knows, maybe I'll changes jobs and work as a carpenter like my grandfather.

Ok.. back to more house cleaning and getting Connor to go to sleep. If anyone knows anything I leagally do to make an overtired 3 year old take a nap, I'd be interested.