Aliyah's Birthday

Saturday we got up at 6:30am and prepared for Aliyah's birthday party. It was nice to wake up after listening to the rain outside and not have to drive down in the early morning. After our leisurely breakfast, the day started ramping up. Cake deliveries, pre-party prep and Chef Ryan began to kick in to high gear. Ryan made us all breakfast with the help of his student (grandma) and we gulped down pancakes and eggs and waffles. After a scrumptious meal we all took off in different directions to get ready for the party and headed off to a great time with Patti and Anthony and their entire extended family. It was nice seeing everyone and I think the kids had a heck of a time. Ryan and Connor played well with everyone and passed out on the ride home. I think they had too much fun (if that's possible)...

Aliyah's B-Day

After we got home, we broke out Cake for Grandma, and prepared for yet another celebration when the power went out?? It was funny listening to the din of children playing, running, sometimes screaming out in glee, cut short by the surprise darkness. There were no cries, but the kids were frozen in place by the sudden darkness. The lights stayed out for the duration of the party and grandma and the family enjoyed a fun night by candle-light. It was a birthday party, I'm sure she wont soon forget. The power found it's way back to us around 8pm (just after bed time) and tea lights were extinguished and we enjoyed a little TV. I passed out quickly as all the driving and child-wrangling finally caught up to me. Before I passed out, I noted an orchid my parents were growing and snapped a few shots. I guess flowers have become a theme with me. They are easy to shot and come out really nice.

RUN RUN RUN

It's been 2 days since I blogged, but I took a picture each day, so I'm happy. On Thursday, the Boys built a monument in the living room while Lise and I met with Ryan's preschool teacher. Ryan is enjoying school and it shows in his work and the teacher's attitude toward him. It was a wonderful walking in to the school and listening to someone read my child's presence. When we got home, Lise and I set up a babysitter for the next week, and planned to meet my Sister and my Brother-In-Law. On Friday after work, we headed out to New Jersey to see Grandma and Grandpa. Since Friday was my Mom's birthday, we decided to go down that night instead of Saturday. It was nice to be there at my Mom's house on her actual birthday and it turned out to a blessing. My sister was sick and couldn't stop by, and Lise had made my Mom a spice cake (her favorite), so we were able to celebrate the day with her alone. The kids loved every minute of being with Grandma and Grandpa. Aside from the cake, I think the kids loved spending the time with their grandparents, and we unwound over cake and a cup of tea. It was nice to get a little break before a big weekend

Family

Family is such a blessing. It's always fun to see my family arriving here in CT. My parents drove up from NJ today, and made certain to hit every traffic accident on their way up, so they could fully enjoy the trip. A kind of rolling DOT clean up crew inspection is a family tradition. What was nice, was that we spent dinner together and Ryan (although so overtired, he was passing out -- see the lump?) tried to convince us he was ready for a walk in the woods with grandpa. :)

Of course there is the specter of Connor's birthday looming in the distance. The house is clean, and the beds are ready for children and guests. And we're all tired. We're all looking forward to seeing everyone, but I still feel the need to look for some luck... I asked our lucky cat for a boost this evening when I saw everyone exhausted. There is pasta and chicken to cook while I'm gone at work tomorrow, so I'm glad my parents will be around to help. Maybe I should take that cat to work and pray for fewer night meetings.