SURPRISE!

I threw B a surprise birthday party on Saturday night at Angie and Darin's. It was REALLY fun. Everything was going well Saturday until Brooks decided to go over to his mom and dad's house on Saturday afternoon out of the blue. There were about 20 of his out-of-town family members over there eating! I tried to deter him but then he got all pissy with me- there was no stopping him! They scrambled pretty good and Brooks was none the wiser. I just about had a heart attack! We got there about 7 and B was TRULY surprised. It was awesome. I think he was really happy everyone came.

The birthday suit.
With Aunt Paula.Doesn't he look so big!!
B with his pinata before decapitating it with one shot! DIE!
woops
M didn't quite understand the candy out of the pinata thing.
Doesn't she look adorable?!
Delaney, Mira and Annie. M loves playing with the big girls.
I like this picture because G looks so big. He didn't stop the entire time we were there. The kids spent the night at Grandma Sarah's after the party. It was G's first night away from us all night. We've slept other places but we've always been with him. Mom said he woke up once at about 3 and was pretty scared, but otherwise did great. He took over a 4 hour nap today though. Glad to be home I guess!
Great weather for the party- even a little cool!!! It was great to be able to be outside and enjoy everyone!
All of B's family that made it to the party. I was stunned that so many of them made the trip. I think it made B feel pretty special. I'm so glad everyone was able to make it!
Pepper stopped by for just a bit while her mom was home with the kids.
Birthday boy with his bros.
Me and Angie. I hope they had as good of a time as we did. It was really fun. Thanks guys!

Oh the cuteness

We went out with Mike and Theresa to eat at Legends last night for Brooks' birthday dinner. It was a good time. I simply could NOT get over how cute Griffin looked.
I mean seriously! I took this while we were outside waiting for his french fries. We ate at the Jazz and they don't have fries. There was NOTHING else on the menu G would even look at or touch, so I had to go to a bar and order him some fries to go!
Praise Jesus!
Trying to climb into the fountain.
Gosh. I love this kid.
G with the birthday boy!

The Arch

Both of the kids loved the penguins.
This popsicle was bigger than he was. It was hard for him to hold on to it!
So sticky.
The giraffes were in this little cage inside. I felt sorry for them but it was really cool to see them up so close.
After the zoo M fell asleep immediately in the car. We decided to make the quick trip downtown and go to the arch. B could never remember being there so he was pretty excited.
Riding in the tiny elevator to get to the top. M was not impressed.
Outside I tried to get some cool pics.
Looking like a white trash kid....that hair is awful.
B
Daddy and his irritated kids.
So cute. They fight all the time but they absolutely LOVE each other. It's really cute. They don't really like to be apart and get really happy when they are reunited. G gives her the cutest night time kisses and hugs.
Mommy and kiddos!

More for Monday

There are a few more but this is all I had time for tonight.
Carousel. M loves it. G was sleeping.
G LOVED the penguins. He laughed and laughed. They would show off and swim up and splash. so fun!
Popsicle treat!
M got to see the penguins too. she thought they were pretty funny as well.
On a bug.
Fish! Actually this was the hippo exhibit.
No one would pose with me.
G was so irritated. He's not a fan of being carried on shoulders.
M has loved zebras since she has ever known animals. They have ALWAYS been her favorites. She'll tell you- the zebras were her fav part.
Asleep- he was so tired! He actually slept about an hour in the stroller- amazing.

Saint Louis!

We traveled to Saint Louis on Thursday afternoon for a quick family getaway. It's taking forever to upload pictures and I'm tired, so this is just a teaser. We stayed 2 nights in a hotel, swam in the freezing weather outside and went to the Zoo and the Arch. The STL zoo was awesome!!! They have a children's zoo where the kids can pet SO MANY animals and the others were up really close. They also had play equipment and such. The rest of the zoo was just as good- all of the animals were easily visible and it was a GREAT day. We got there at about 9 am and stayed until 3! Here are just a few pics from the children's zoo portion. More to come!

G is such a climber.
She was really open to petting the animals- it surprised me because she can be afraid of so many things.
G tried to throw the guinea pigs.
M was SO GENTLE petting the guinea pigs!
Otters.

In the hippo.
down the slide!
silly