Brad's 45th

Brad had his 45th birthday on Sunday. He spent part of the day in California at the coaching conference then flew home to spend part of it with his family. We had a small party to celebrate his birthday.

The kids watching a Lego video.

Singing Happy Birthday

We are so thankful for Brad, as a husband and a dad! 

Sleepover & movie night

Brad went out of town for the weekend to attend a coaching conference. My sister came up to visit and spent the night with her two kids. It was a little chaotic but still fun. We had movie night with popcorn. 

All of us on the couch. 

 

Even Darby snuggled in for a few minutes. 

Mommy's glasses

Ollie likes to wear my glasses. He also likes to have his picture taken. 

A little crooked here. 

Swinging at the Park

We tried to soak up the dry weather so I took the kids to the park. (I always get a little anxious when I take them all by myself but they all did a great job and we didn't stay too long). This was the first time Darby was on a swing. She seemed to love it. But she loves just about everything these days. 

Sweet 80's style

Brad likes to style the boys' hair after their bath. He was quite pleased with this style he created on Ollie. We didn't get a great picture but hopefully you get the idea. 

Bike Jumping

The boys asked if they could make a bike jump. I told them to ask dad and they said "he said to ask you." Well, my answer is no. But clearly as a mom of boys I have to let them do some things. And really it wasn't that bad. 

 

Ollie Driver

Our new John Deere Gator has gotten lots of use. Ollie recently learned that he can drive it. He is doing a great job although sometimes he still gets distracted and you never know where he will end up or what he will crash into.  

Scooter Tricks

Brad showed the boys some new tricks on their scooters. They have been practicing. It took me a little while to actually watch. I'm used to it now. It just makes me a little nervous for the tricks they will keep practicing as they get older. Being a mom to boys can be tough.   I realize this is nothing.

Bike Upgrade

Our neighbor got a new bike, so they gave Brody their old one.  This one fits him so much better.  He loves it.  Ironically, our neighbor loves it and wants it back.  Fortunately, it was his mom that gave it to us so we know it is meant for Brody.  

So Colt gets Brody's old bike and eventually Ollie will have Colt's bike.

Just a random shot of Colt with his baseball helmet on.

A (boring) video of Brody on his new bike. 

More painting

I took another painting class at Palettes & Pairings. This time I invited a few different friends, mostly from soccer. I had 5 or 6 that were excited to do it, but in the end only 2 signed up before it was sold out. I also invited Shirley (aka Grammy, my mother-in-law, Brad's mom). I am thankful she signed up in time because it was a fun night out for all of us (even though it lasted way longer than I thought it would) We are party animals I guess. 

Heather, Cabryn & Me 

Heather and her mom

Me & Shirley

I wasn't as happy about this painting but I'm still pretty darn proud of myself. 

Valentine Sing-A-Long

Colt had a Valentine Sing-A-Long at his school. He hid behind one of his classmates the entire time. I was able to get a little video of him peeking out and a picture too.   I know he doesn't like to be the center of attention but this seemed a little extreme to me. 

I talked to him about it later that day.  When I asked why he hid the whole time he said it was because he wasn't cool.  Apparently the heart hats they had on were not cool enough for him. 

I'm not sure what that means for Colt's future endeavors but I sure hope being cool isn't too hard to come by.  

Birthday Lunch

I share my birthday with my mom. It is the best thing (although I didn't think that when I was turning 13).  This year we didn't get to celebrate on our actual birthday but celebrated with a birthday lunch the day after.  Papa Bob & Grandma Shari met us at the Issaquah Red Robin.   

We don't go out to eat very often so I had to go over the rules/expectations with the boys.  They did a great job.  But it was also nice because Papa Bob was sitting next to all three of them so he was in charge (kind of).   

Colt wanted to take a picture of himself.  

The birthday girls!

I'm so thankful Brad was able to join us. 

We all had ice cream sundaes to celebrate.  The boys loved it! 

Birthday skiing

For my birthday we took the boys up to the mountain to go skiing. (My friend, Jen, watched Darby for us) Brad has been taking one boy at a time this winter, so it was great for me to see what they could do.  They will be better than me in no time. 

Colt is in the front. Brody is behind him and Brad is with Ollie in the very back. 

The boys went on the magic carpet for a little while.  My brother, who works at the pass, met us up there and was able to get me a pass.  He also offered to watch the boys so Brad and I could do some runs together.  It was great to ski again (even though I'm not very good).

 My camera battery died so I had my friend Ganesa take these pictures.  Ganesa has a condo up there and she also met us for my birthday celebration. 

After skiing we had pizza and french fries in the lodge.  (it ended up taking the pizza more than an hour--apparently a miscommunication in the kitchen.  The boys were so patient even though they were hungry and exhausted.)

Me & Ganesa

Jason, Brad, Me, Colt, Brody, Olivia, & Ollie

(It's hard to see Jason behind his big mountain man beard.  The boys LOVE him.  Personally, I would be scared of him but clearly his personality far outweighs his big bushy beard) 

The only video I was able to get before my camera battery died.  :(  

I really had a wonderful birthday especially being able to do something so fun with my family.