My Dude

This is Leo the day after he was born

and this is Leo on Sunday afternoon.
Things don't change much I guess.

I sure do love that dude.

Happy Birthday, Shelby

Shelby would have turned 17 on January 14.  I, like many of us, was sort of dreading this day.  It just isn't right to have to celebrate her birthday without her.  Aunt Bess also shares her birthday and Aunt Bess always dreads her birthday so I guess we all made good company! ;)  On Sunday Mom had brunch at her house and we had plenty of desserts to help us celebrate.  I made a donut "cake", we had a cookie cake (a Jones birthday staple since Stacy and I were kids), Reese's hearts and a bowl of Jelly Bellies...pretty perfect, up until there was no Shelby to help us eat them.  

Sarah, Sophia, and Rachel ready for brunch!

Leo has never met a donut he doesn't like

Grown up table!

Uncle Stacy and Cody start a tickle war with Leo!

And Sophia begs to go upside down again and again.

Brother and sister baking team ready for action!

Sophia is wearing the apron that Shelby made her

Here's Leo looking very vogue

tie-dyed cupcakes ready to go in the oven

Monday was Shelby's actual birthday.  I kept myself busy a lot of the day and Mom, Stacy, and I had a yummy lunch at Pei Wei, one of her favorites.  We talked about some Shelby memories and it was just nice to be together.  Sophia had swimming lessons that afternoon so afterwards we picked up Chinese food and ate our cupcakes.  We sang happy birthday to her and the kids blew out a candle in her honor.  They were truly so happy that it was her birthday and had so much fun remembering her during dinner.    I will admit that I felt oddly peaceful that day.  I'm not sure if it was the just that I got to finally stop dreading it or if it was the kids' joyfulness spreading to me, or perhaps it was her sending me thoughts to be happy and celebrate...or maybe it was all of the above.  I still cry pretty much every day and of course I think of her morning, noon, and night but her birthday was the last big milestone for a while, which is sort of bittersweet.  I'm glad I have the love and support of Charlie and the kids (and everyone else too!) because I know I truly wouldn't make it without them.

The finished product!  Shelby did love tie-dye, plus one of our favorite pictures of her has her donning a tie dyed shirt.  I topped it with my homemade cream cheese white chocolate frosting that she was also a big fan of and I didn't get any complaints! ;)

Happy birthday, Shelby.

Rain Walk

I admit that I'm not very good about getting outside and getting exercise when it's winter.  Boo!  Cold and I are not friends!  Anyway, it wasn't as terribly cold the other day and I felt we really, really needed some physical activity.  Since it was only raining a little bit and the kids had been wanting to go to the library, I figured we'd just gear up and go!  It was perfect.  The kids loved donning their gear and it is not a terribly far walk to the library.  Plus, we could read books, warm up, and head back when we were ready, which is exactly what we did!   

Even More Christmas

Charlie, Aubrey, and Sophia play a game

Leo, dressed as Batgirl, is definitely ready for presents

Here is is modeling handsome ice scrapers

Sophia opening her adorable (and functional) ballet slipper shaped ballet bag

Lauren cuddles Baby Cinderella

while Aubrey cuddles Baby Aurora

The best group shot I could manage! ;)

The best part about the morning was that Jill and I both bought each other's husband the exact same gift in different colors.  It was classic!  Great minds think alike!

Jill and Matt hosted us for our traditional Christmas gathering this year.  She made a yummy brunch and all the kids had a great time with each other.  In fact, both of us remarked how incredibly cooperative and joyous they all were as we got some uninterrupted time in the kitchen to actually talk to one another...amazing!  We didn't manage out get together until after New Year's, but I'm pretty sure we didn't hear any complaints from the peanut gallery about getting more presents!  No matter when it is, it's fun to be together!

Ready to Bowl in the New Year

The thought of starting a whole near year was just too much for Leo to handle.  He passed out on his bedroom floor amidst all his toys.

When Leo woke up, we hit the bowling alley for our traditional New Year's Day bowling adventure!

Here is Sophia in front of our super healthy bowling alley dinner buffet...fried, fried, fried and a hot dog.  Mmmmm!