Wednesday, March 20, 2013

What a Weekend!


The weekend started off on Saturday with the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin.
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The Officer of the Year and I, the Civilian of the Year, led the parade. 

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There were so many adorable little kids and plenty of happy people waving and saying hello along the way.  I found it a bit scary at first.  You cannot stop smiling and waving because someone is always smiling and waving at you.  It was a unique experience and one I won’t forget.

On Sunday we celebrated Abby’s third birthday with a Hello Kitty bash!

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Gavin was “helping” daddy put drinks in the cooler.  He came up with this “outfit” earlier in the morning.  He said that the helmet (hard hat) was like a SWAT helmet and his goggles (for swimming) were his SWAT goggles.  He carried around a piece to his police Halloween costume as some sort of weapon.  It was…interesting.  He’s a creative fellow.

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Little Miss had requested pizza and cupcakes for her party.

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The kids played pin the bow on the Hello Kitty.  Abby had her blindfold on but pulled it up when she got to the poster and looked when she put the bow on.

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Then, with most of the kids gathered around, it was time to open gifts.

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Although she tore through her gifts at Christmas, her birthday was a slow process.  I’m talking painfully s-l-o-w.  I think Abby was tired and overwhelmed.  She received tons of awesome gifts and I think there comes a point with every child where they just want to play with what they’ve opened and not have to worry about opening any more presents.  There comes a time with every adult when we don’t want to watch said child open one. more. gift. 

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So, let’s eat cake!  Yes, I made the cake.  Yes, my hands were swollen for two days thanks to my icing tool breaking in the middle of icing the cake.  And yes, it was delicious and everyone loved it.  Most importantly, the birthday girl loved it. 

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“Happy birthday to you!”

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I am so glad that Grandma got this shot.  I was on the opposite side and couldn’t get a good picture of Abby’s face but she had put her hand on her chest, smiled, tilted her chin down and bit, and had an, “Awww they’re all singing to me!” face. 

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Make a wish!

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I believe I’ve said this before but as a reminder, getting kids together and smiling at the same time for a picture is like herding cats.  Not possible.

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Sometimes that difficulty results in a cute photo that catches the kids in a silly moment.  Or the kids are caught doing exactly what was asked of them.  For example, Evan and Reid are sweetly smiling on the left.

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In addition to our numerous wonderful guests, Aunt Debbie and Cousin Perrin were able to join the party.  What a treat!  An added bonus, look ma your eyes are open!

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Look at our little leprechaun!  The kids had fake mustaches in their treat bags.  Nana gave Gavin the hat.  What a great look for St. Pat’s day!

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Mo was one tired pup by the end of the party.

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Abby still had more gifts to open on Sunday night that we didn’t get to at the party.  These were from Grandpa Y and Aunt Ashley.

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The kids were so excited about their Dreamlites from Grandpa.

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Monday morning we came downstairs to find Gavin’s dogs playing his Angry Birds card game (which is super fun) on the living room floor.

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The morning of Abby’s birthday brought even more gifts.  Spoiled much?

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Big brother gave her a Snow White doll.

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Tic Toc Croc.  Or Al Gator the pet.  You decide.

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Abby has hardly taken off her Merida dress the last couple days.  When she wears it she is to be called Merida.  When she takes it off, she turns back into Abby.  Better not confuse the two…OR ELSE! 

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Gavin got Skylanders for his big brother gift.  He’s been talking about Skylanders for awhile and he has learned about them from his friends in his class.  Finally a kid at Target explained them to us and now our boy is hooked.  He was so psyched about getting them and we are so happy he has found something else he enjoys besides Star Wars.

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Abby’s big gift was a big girl bike.  We got her a 10 inch bike.  We skipped this stage with Gavin and it seemed to make it harder for him to figure out his bike last summer.  So, we decided we’d get Abby a 10 inch bike to learn on and she can also ride with her brother when the weather finally warms up.  Hopefully.  Someday.  Is it spring?

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Look out world; girlfriend has a bow and arrow!

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The birthday girl wanted House of Japan for dinner.

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I think Gavin must have conned her into it because it happens to be his favorite place to eat.

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But she insisted HOJ was what she wanted.

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For dessert she wanted Sweet Frog frozen yogurt!

We had quite the weekend and have been recovering ever since.  I hope everyone is having a great week and with any luck, it’s warmer wherever you are.  

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