Joys 30th Birthday

It is time to celebrate Joys 30th birthday. I had been thinking for a long time that I wanted to throw her a surprise costume party, but then a few months before she decides she wants her friends to go with her and play laser tag. So, there go my plans! :)

So, on Saturday Thomas and I went over to the Nelson house to grab a ride with them to Nashville. Joys sister, her boyfriend, and brother were to meet us downtown, but when we got down there they weren't there yet and after waiting a bit we decided to go ahead and play.

Laser tag was a lot of fun. The place was done up really cool and there was lots of space to run and play. Our first game was a little more fun than the 2nd, because there were some kids in the 2nd game that were loud and annoying. Also, during the 2nd game they turned on the fog machine and it really played with my contacts. I would really like to go back and play again, Thomas and I enjoyed ourselves greatly.

After playing laser tag, Joy siblings show up and because a party was coming into the laser tag place we couldn't play another game. Instead, we headed to Joys restaurant of choice Buca di Beppo. We had never been here, but had heard good things about this place.

We had to wait for a few minutes before getting seated, but when they finally did take us back, I found it cool that they have one table right in the kitchen. What a great seat that would be! The decorations for this restaurant were a little different and there were decorations EVERYWHERE!

The food was served family style, meaning that you didn't just order a meal for yourself. Instead when you order you either get a small portion that feeds about 3 people or large which serves 5-6. Joys sister and group shared with Thomas and I because we were ordering the same things. The food was ok, I wouldn't say the greatest, because it didn't have enough sauce for my taste. The portions though were HUGE, look at the meatballs and lasagna!

After eating our fill of dinner, Joy and I got our free cupcakes since we were both celebrating birthdays...mine is only a week later than hers. But, Thomas and I also wanted a regular dessert, since we were breaking our diets might as well break them good! We ordered the big brownie sundae to share with everyone...Joy really enjoyed it!I don't know why I look like such a freak in this picture..but ah well!

Joy had a great idea on how to celebrate her birthday and I am glad she wanted us to come and be a part of it with her! Happy 30th Joy!

Spring Break

This year for spring break we did not have a lot planned, no trip out of town or anything and that was perfectly fine with me! I had some things at home that I wanted to tackle...the extra bedroom, updating the blog, working on the kids baby books, and cleaning house. But I did think about the kids, I knew that they would like to stay out of daycare just like I was glad to not be at school.

Monday, was our first lazy day! I don't think any of us got dressed or did much. We were invited to the library and Chick Fil A with Laura and Joy, but I politely declined, wanting to be lazy and work on my to do list!

Tuesday, the invitation was to Chuckee Cheese, I decided I didn't want to be a total bum so the kids and I met up with the Nelsons and Richards there. The kids spent my money on pizza and games and played for over an hour, while the moms visited. We then decided to head to Boy Scout Park and let the kids run off some more energy! Joy and I sat out in the sun and chatted while Laura fed Loni in her car. Laura came out an joined us after Loni got her full and I got to cuddle with little Loni for awhile (if you see the picture of me holding her, it doesn't even look like I am holding a baby, but just a blanket).

The kids played hard and well for quite some time, till I went to check on the kids playing in the pavilion. Where I had to yell for Joy!! It seems Gwen found a mud puddle to play in...what a mess!

Wednesday, looked like it would be the nicest day of the week weather wise so we decided to take the kids on a trip to the zoo. I went ahead and bought a zoo membership, which I think we will use numerous times this summer!

Laura lead us on crazy drive through Nashville on the way to the zoo, but we all made it safe and sound!

We had a really good time, the kids had a blast checking out all the animals and hanging with their friends. Laura had to leave a little before Joy and I, we eventually left after riding the carousal and playing on the playground. Gwen, again, caused Joy frustration throwing a temper tantrum so Joy foot handled her into the stroller! All in all a great day and perfect weather!

Thursday and Friday, we didn't get together with our friends. Instead I worked on the to do list. I also took a day for me, even though I ended up going to the grocery store and doing our monthly shopping.

We have a great group of friends, who we are looking forward to spending time together with this summer!

My pretty dancer

Tapanga absolutely loves dance! When she started potty training I kept telling her she could join dance when she stopped pee peeing on herself. Well not two months later she was completely potty trained. Then, I saw an ad for the spring program at the Dance Force, so we signed her up and she loves it! She can do sun shines really well and loves to twirl.

Funny story...one Monday morning, I went in to wake Tapanga up and her first words were "I want to go to dance." Well good thing it was Monday, because it was dance day!

Dance probably wasn't the best thing for us to put Tapanga in, because it is so expensive, but she loves it! And she will get to preform in the spring recital, which the whole family is looking forward to!

Magnet Board Project

While packing up for the move, Thomas and I were talking about all the kids magnet toys. I really didn't want the magnet toys on the fridge in the kitchen, I was wanting a more dignified kitchen. So anyway, while at Lowes one day we went looking for ideas and Thomas came up with the idea of making a magnet board.

He took a piece of metal, plywood, and trim and using the boys to help glue made the magnet board. He used clamps to hold it down for awhile, making sure it was secure.

I think the boys really enjoyed helping Thomas make the board. Thomas did a really good job with it and I think the kids will enjoy using it for years to come!

Spring Planting

Thomas wanted to plant some buttercups on our land. Our neighbor has a bunch of them in his yard and Thomas just likes the look of them. So, he went to his parents house where he and his mom dug some up. Thomas had also gotten some free trees from the boy scouts and a tree give away from a TN grower. As a family we did some spring planting!

While digging up the plants at my in-laws, the boys had to pick flowers! Tanner said they were to go in the middle of our table! How sweet!