Dave's Birthday Party!

Sorry for the delay....After the power outage on Sunday night, our wireless router wasn't working. It's back up and running, so here are a couple pictures of Dave's 42nd birthday celebration.

I am rationing the leftover artichokes from D'Agnese's. (Not sure of the spelling on that)

Happy Birthday Dave!

The Best Souvenir

Of all the souvenirs that we saw in Las Vegas for our kids, I knew that this would be the best one for Isabella. This kid can eat candy like nobody's business. Her eyes were as big as half dollars when she saw the size of this sucker! I have no doubt that she will finish the entire thing like a champ.

Scavenger Hunt

While preparing dinner the other night, I noticed these Cheeto's on the kitchen floor. I thought, uh-oh, someone left the snack cabinet untied again. There is only one culprit in this house that dumps food on the floor, so I knew I had to find him quickly.

As I went to the living room, I found another, larger scattering of Cheeto's, but still no boy. I was starting to worry. I had visions of my Pottery Barn comforter smeared with orange, slobbery powder.

Then I found him with the entire bag, very happy and very proud. I don't let him eat Cheetos because they are so crunchy and I am afraid he will choke. He thought he had found the motherload of all snacks and went on an eating frenzy as quickly as he could, knowing it was only a matter of time before the curly-haired woman would come along and ruin his fun.

I am still finding hand prints around the house where he left his mark.

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!

Nick and I are leaving tomorrow at 12:40PM for a weekend in Las Vegas, sans children. This is the first time we have gone anywhere alone in almost 3 years. This is a much needed trip as this has been a stressful year to say the least. The kids will be at my parents house for the weekend having the time of their lives, and will probably not think of us once.

I am looking forward to beng on my own schedule and not having to worry about who is hungry, sleepy, and crabby; or who has practice, tests or a big project due. I am especially excited to go an entire day without caked-on food on my shoulder and poop on my hands.

We are going to sit at the pool, enjoy nice dinners out that are too fancy for kids, and gamble our life savings away. (Just kidding) And we are going to have normal conversations that will not revolve around kids and work.

To my children, I promise that when I return, I will be less snippy and more patient and ready to handle all the problems and issues that arise with a calm, serene approach.

Taylor's Birthday Party!!

We are the Typical "Hanna Andersson" Family

Don't you love this picture? What are the possibilities of the oldest children wearing this dress and the "Hub" dressing like his 1 year old son so that we could all match? Can't you just see us walking through Harbor Town this summer in our matching outfits; all the children smiling, well mannered and clean?

Or how about this picture?

The 6 of us frolicking in the ocean together in our matching swim suits?

Doesn't this model look remarkably like Nick?

Human Garbage Disposal

Shortly after this picture was taken, I found a chewed up wad of paper, a piece of plastic wrapper to a Capri Sun straw (seen sticking out), and remnants of an M & M (Take note of the chocolate stain on his sweater!)

I should probably vacuum more, huh?

Dress-Up

This morning Isabella asked me if I would play dress-up with her. So we got out the bin, but everything that I proceeded to put on myself, she would take away from me and put it on herself. She ended up with just about everything in the bin. I was allowed to put on the flower headband pictured below. Long after the dress-up game was over, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and noticed that I had been walking around the house for about 2 hours with a big pink flower on top of my head. And what is even more comical is that Isabella and Nicholas did not find it the least bit odd that I had it on.

All I can say is Thank God no one came to my door!

My New HouseKeeper

Happy Birthday Taylor!

FIFTEEN YEARS!!! So hard to believe that 15 years ago last night your Dad and I set out for the hospital in the middle of a blizzard. I had no idea how much my life would change from the moment you were born. Suddenly it all fell into place. At that moment I felt like I had a purpose in life. I was 23 years old and I was suddenly responsible for another human being. Now that I have babies again, I often wonder how I got along back then. I had no idea what I was doing, but somehow, I figured it out. You were my little doll, and I never wanted to be separated from you.

You have always been a bright, creative, inquisitive, complex child, and you always keep us laughing. From your bellowing singing at the most inoportune moments (such as, first thing in the morning, at the dinner table, and when I am trying to get the little kids to bed); your hand stands in the middle of the living room floor, your Riverdancing throught the kitchen, and last but not least your cheerleading routines in front of the hallway mirror.

You are responsible, diligent, and very organized. I am always so impressed by the way you organize things with your lists and your charts. You have been a big help to me around the house with your great tips and ideas.

You have brought me so much joy, and it has been a bittersweet journey to watch to grow into such a wonderful young lady.

We love you very much Taylor Devon! Happy Birthday!!