Candy Land

One other benefit of “older” kids – you can really have game night.  We tried this WAY to soon a while back and it was a disaster.  Think crying, moving pieces, tipping over the game board.  I’m way too Type A to deal with that mess.  So tonight I was a bit worried – but proven totally wrong.  We played 3 games of Candy Land and had a blast.  Bo said I really shouldn’t get so much enjoyment out of “winning” at Candy Land.  But, hey – I make no bones about it – I’m competitive.

There was one member of the family that didn’t participate…

…Scoobs was down and out for the night!

Fun Filled Day

Today was just one of those days – where I say a prayer that I get to be home with my kids 2 days a week.  For breakfast we made pink blueberry muffins.

We then turned the couch into a pirate ship.  We had to of course draw and color all of the sea creatures we’d encounter.  This game really went on all day!

We did take a time out for story time at the library.  Wednesday's are the best.  The librarian is amazing and there’s always a project to do that’s related to the theme.

After nap we continued on our pirate ship (can’t believe I didn’t get any pics).  When I put Crawford to bed tonight he told me, “Mom, what a super fun day we had.”  That’s all this Momma could ask for.

Princess & a Knight

Conlee & Crawford got to attend yet ANOTHER birthday party today – Olivia’s Princess (and Knight) 3rd birthday.   It was a costume party – and believe it or not – Crawford does not have a knight costume.  So, when Bo vetoed a trip to the mall to “buy” one – I had to get creative and make one.  All of the below out of cardboard and a pizza pan   Crawford helped with the design and painting.  He was really proud of it when we were done!

I’m not a “girlie” girl – but I’ll admit – a bunch of little girls dressed like princesses – ADORABLE!

We went on a scavenger hunt to find the dragon who stole the goody bags.

The kids had such a good time!  Happy birthday Olivia.  So happy to have you guys as our dear friends!

Secret Agents

Today we got to go to Cole’s 5th birthday party!  It was a Secret Spy party – and as always – there was not one detail left out!

The kids loved drawing on their own spy cars.

Then they had to make their way through the maze.  They had a blast with this.

After cupcakes and snacks – they had to find the clues to find the “bad guy” who had stolen the goody bags.  This was a huge hit.

What a fun, creative party.  Amanda and I are both thrilled that finally the kids can actually play games at their parties!!!!

We got home and I whipped us up an Italian feast.

Salad and gnocchi first course (the kids din).

We then put the kids down and had Italian spinach and shrimp lasagna (from Giada).  Never had it before – but it was def a keeper.  So, so yummy!

Let’s Bowl, Let’s Bowl

Bo and I decided to try and take the kids bowling.  So glad we did – because we really had a GREAT time.  No fancy Fast Lanes for us – good ole Ozark Bowl is more our speed!  The kids though it was so funny that I told them that I took a college class there (by far my fav class ever).  We bowled, ate greasy cheeseburgers and played games.  So.Much.Fun.  Not that I’m not a fan of babies – but man – I’m so glad that the kids are old enough to go and do things like this.  The problem is that I want to freeze time and not allow either one of them to grow any older.  This is just about the most perfect “stage” ever.

Crawford could actually bowl his own ball.

Conlee used a little help.

Bo ended up winning but only by a few pins.  You’ll see in the shot below – I almost got a Turkey!!!!

We were about to leave – when Crawford spotted the Star Wars game.  Game on.

As the Friday night college crowd started to roll in around 8:30 – we finally decided it was time to head home.  I bet we’ll be spending many more nights here as a family of 4.

Dang Pinterest

Pinterest strikes again.  Today I was home with Con who had the stomach bug.  Not to get into details – but she wasn’t hungry.  Apparently I made up for it.  I decided to whip up a patch of pink chocolate chip cookies I’d pinned for Valentine’s day (were from Breast Cancer Awareness). 

OMG.  I like a cookie like anyone else…but these…totally addictive.  I couldn’t let them cool before breaking into them.

You take a bag sugar cookie mix, add butter, powdered sugar and chocolate and wham – the BEST cookie ever.  It is a cross of a shortbread/sugar cookie and chocolate chip.  I prefer a crunchy vs a soft cookie – and this hit the spot.

I had to plate up some for neighbors so I don’t eat the whole batch tonight!  Love that I have such great neighbors that I love taking them treats