Soccer & Bowling

We have a great group of soccer friends and often try to organize a social event that is not on the soccer field.  This month Cynthia organized a bowling night to celebrate Hans and Brad's birthdays.  (Hans is 4 days older than Brad so Brad always makes sure he tells Hans that he is really old).

Hans, Cynthia, Brad, Luke

Mandy & Nicole (at the table)

Hans, Mandy & Cynthia

Nicole, Luke, Erin & Brian

Mandy & Nicole

Brad and his birthday cupcake

The birthday boys: Brad & Hans

(Cynthia made these yummy cupcakes.  She had a blue for Brad's Michigan colors and Orange for Hans' Syracuse colors)

We are the dorky couple with the matching outfits (and its not even a Sounders game).

Hans was telling us that he has a picture of us from a few years ago where we are gazing into each other's eyes as if we were in love.  We decided to try that loving gaze again. 

Brad was working hard on throwing his curve ball but also adding some style to each of his bowls.  I was able to get one of them on the video (but I missed the best throw).

It was a fun night (and we are so thankful for Ed, our last minute babysitter). 

Ollie, I Love You!

He doesn't do this as often any more so I'm glad I was able to get it on video. 

Andrew's Party

After Owen's party we had a birthday party for Andrew. 

We tried to get a picture with all the kids.  It's hard to get them to all sit still.

Getting ready for some cake.

Owen's Birthday Party

We went to a Lil' Kickers Birthday Party for Brody's friend Owen. They were nice enough to let Colt join the party too. The boys just loved it. It was so fun to see Colt in a setting where he had to listen to a teacher or instructor because he has never really been in that situation.

Brody setting up a cone with his foot.

Ollie & his buddy Henry playing.  (yes, that field is nasty.  It turned their hands black but I was able to wash it off before he put his fingers in his mouth...i think.) 

They were getting ready for a group picture.

A little video of Colt kicking the soccer ball.

Brody wanted to stay and play soccer all day.  They both had such a fun time!

My Valentine

I have never been a big fan of Valentine's Day.  However when I saw that Valentine's Day was on a Monday I knew that one of our (superstar) babysitters might be available.  I arranged for her to come over a month before V-day. 

Brad planned a fun Valentine's Date.  We started by going to Lucky Strike Bowling Alley.  We ate dinner at the bowling alley.

After bowling we went to Starbucks and enjoyed a warm beverage.  We then went to see a movie. It was a great date because it never felt rushed and we were able to just hang out with each other. 

I love my Valentine!

A few pictures from bowling.

Brad was really determined to work on his curve ball (not his straight ball).  He even asked the guy that was working there for some pointers.  And the guy was so excited to share his tips with us and even tried to get us to sign up for a bowling league. 

Since Brad was practicing his curve ball I ended up beating him in all 3 games we played.  (I rarely beat him in any competition we have.  He is way too competitive to let me)

Preschool Valentine's Party

Brody had a Valentine's Party at Preschool.  My sister Jessi watched Colt & Ollie so I could go volunteer during the party.   It is always so fun watching him in his classroom.  It is also so enjoyable for me to work with kids.  It really makes me miss teaching. 

Brody making his Valentine cookie.  He couldn't get enough sprinkles and frosting on it.

Valentine Legos

Brad discovered these cute little Lego John Deere Tractors on ebay.  He was so excited to get them for the boys.  He wanted to make it a little special so he waited until Valentine's Day to give it to them.

The boys were obviously very excited about their tractors.

First Date

Brody has spent some time with Emily but this is the first time he took her out on a date. 

They cruised the cul-de-sac for quite some time and had a lot of fun. 

Just look at the way she is looking at him.  And he is so proud of his driving skills.

After their drive Brody took Emily for a ride on the swing.  He even taught her how to get the swing going.

The third wheel.  He was pretty supportive of the whole idea.  (Colt was tired from all the activity and was still taking a nap) 

My weekend away!

My friends from soccer organized a girls weekend away. When it was first scheduled I didn't think I would be able to go since it was my birthday and Brad was playing in a poker tournament.  But the more I thought about it the more I wanted to make it happen.  I did some sweet talking and was able to convince my parents and my sister to watch Colt & Ollie while Brody stayed at our house with Grammy.  (We know we are so lucky to have family close by)

I arrived Saturday around lunch time.  After hanging out for a little bit we decided to go wine tasting at one of the local wineries. 

Ceci & LeAnn

 Me, Cabryn, Mandy, Heather, LeAnn & Ceci

Jeannine & Ceci (Ceci was teaching Jeannine how to cut an onion)

 LeAnn & Cynthia helping with dinner

 Mandy was the chef for Saturday evening and made a delicious Chicken potato soup.

Cynthia made a birthday cake for me & LeAnn (since it was her birthday a week earlier). We blew out the candles but took them out before I snapped a picture.

  

Breakfast Burritos (made by Heather)

Wendy, Heather, Cynthia, Ceci, Mandy, LeAnn & Cabryn

 Back row: Wendy, Jeannine, LeAnn & Cabryn

Front row: Cynthia, Ceci, Heather, Mandy & Me



I had a wonderful time and I'm already signed up for next year!  :) 

Birthday Ice Cream

My mom and I share a birthday.  Isn't that the greatest?  (It wasn't as fun when I was younger, but now I LOVE IT!)  Brad was joking that my mom and sisters' (and my) dream birthday would be going to all the restaurants (and places) that offered something free on your birthday....just so we could say that we got it all for free.  And I think he is right.  

So we printed up our free Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream on your birthday and went to Southcenter Mall to redeem it.   It was a little hectic in the mall but it was fun to enjoy a little birthday ice cream.

Brad and his ice cream.

Gunner (I think he was the messiest)

Ollie munching on just the cone.  It was perfect because he was definitely tired but this kept him happy for a little while. 

Me & Jessi

Cameo (my cousin), Jessi & Me

The Birthday Girls

After ice cream, we had to run into the store to exchange my new rainboots for a different size.  (Thanks Mom!)  Then we headed back home so the boys could get a little nap in.

For dinner, Brad was able to pick up some Thai food for me.  It doesn't look that tasty in the picture but it was Swimming Rama with Peanut Sauce, one of my favorites.  (and I now realize that I did not get out the You Are Special plate to use on my birthday....argh!)

Brad also bought me roses for my birthday (and since my birthday is so close to Valentine's Day we counted them as my Valentine's Roses too). 

We ended my birthday by watching a Chick Flick.  We don't get to do that often but both enjoyed watching The Proposal.  It was a great birthday!