Elle’s Final Birthday Sign Pic

I don't think they do these sign birthdays in high school.  Elle was reluctant to let me get a pic this year but she did it!  14 years old in her final year at Oak View!

Elle Turns 12!

Elle turned 12 and finally got a real party.

Publix has upped their game when it comes to cakes!

Puff still shows up in his birthday outfit!

The girls got to do a set of challenges as a team that included:

Challenge #1:  Go into the backyard around the edge of the yard.   Petey will be released into the middle.  You will have 1 minute to touch Petey.  

Challenge #2:  Each of you have to make a basketball shot!

Challenge #3:  Grab a phone.  Take group selfies in front of 2 houses decorated for Christmas

Challenge #4:  You have 3 minutes to find the sour patch, puppy tree in the reservoir pond across from our house.  Each girl should grab one of each return home.

Jack Turns 12!

Here are a few pics of Jack celebrating his twelfth birthday with a chocolate cake!

Jack Turns 10!

Jack turned 10 today!  

We had a family day of celebrating and Elle and I tricked him with magic candles that re-light themselves after being blown out!   They worked!

Birthday - Darth Alarm Clock!

Jack scored a birthday present before school this morning,  As you can see he loved it!

Happy Birthday Granny!

Elle's Birthday and More

Elle had a small birthday celebration as she turned one.  The poor thing has been battling a nasty ear infection strain and is on her third antibiotic with the hopes that this will be the one to knock it out.  She's a trooper.

We scaled down the size of her first birthday significantly compared with Jack.   Why?  Well - we are more seasoned as parents perhaps.  Her birthday is in Winter as opposed to Summer???   It certainly isn't because we love her any less though!












In other news, Jack has learned to wolf down pasta based meals.  He always starts out saying he doesn't like them... then, after a little Green Eggs and Ham talk he digs in!

Happy Birthday Granny!

Jack took a quick break from his meal to bring you this important message...

Jack's Trip to the Zoo

We celebrated "Jack Day" as part of his birthday and both too the day off to spend time doing things he'd enjoy.  That meant the zoo and Funderland.   Jack wasn't exactly 100% but managed to finesse his was through the day just fine.  We all had fun!

From thee customary do it yourself booth at the entrance.

If you look closely you'll be able to spot Snoopy and the Red Baron flying by!



a few more snaps of the animals to follow.

The Birthday Report: Part 2

We ended up doing a fair amount of decorating for the "shark" party.

Guests were greated with a danger sign at the door coupled with a hidden music box playing the Jaws theme over and over.

Stepping through the front door led to more serious things.  Two mean looking blow-up sharks looked down on all who entered.

And of course there was a shark cake!

And some fancy balloons - including a dolphin, the nose of which is just visible in the picture.

All in all, it was great fun.

The Birthday Report: Part 1

Jack and Grandpa prepare for the big day by spelling "CAKE" on his word puzzle.  Jack doesn't really need much help, as a four year old, with such trivial puzzles any more.

"Let's do the birthday cake one!"

More pre-birthday festivities...reading the Seuss Birthday story... which, like all Dr. Seuss books, is surprisingly long.

Elle got in on the Grandpa action too.

Jack's Third Birthday Videos!

Here are some videos from Jack's 3rd Birthday party. He was in a great mood and had lots of fun with his friends.

Here he rides around "Flinstone style" and then hops on a ball.


Zipline!


Ball Time!

Jack's 3rd Birthday Party Invitation!

if you are in the area swing by!

Happy Birthday Jen...Jasper...Juanita...Senora Ashby...Sukie Jaspie !

Happy Birthday Jen!

Jack did some Spanish counting for you.



And here is a good picture from the famed Muskegon landmark: The Cherokee!