Laura's 30th Birthday - 233/365

Today we were off to Laura's 30th birthday party!

It was going to be a surprise and Matt was sure she didn't have an idea. 

Sharon took her shopping and they showed up a little after two. She really was surprised! It was so cute. 

Matt had food, DJ and some corn-hole. They kids loved digging in the coolers for ice and dancing. They had a blast. 

It was a great afternoon celebrating a great girl!

Surprise!

Make a wish!

Ice diggers

Movie & Milana is 2 - 205/365

This afternoon, Jim and his mom were going to head out to Akron to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie. They were a little bummed because it was a limited release, so that's why they had to go all the way up there.

They said once they got there, it was neat to see the theater. They had a huge menu and lots of drink options. Nikki got some mini corn dogs. Jim just stuck with his main dining option at the theater, popcorn. 

They enjoyed the movie and the drive after, so they could chat about the movie. 

This afternoon was Milana's second birthday party. They were having it at the house which was nice for us. 

Rachel was having "Hey Kid" come to play since Milana loves dancing. They were so good! The kids were interested for awhile, but then got into swimming, I think the adults had more fun with them than any of the kids. It was a hoot. 

Rachel wanted to try to get a selfie with the band, in which we succeeded. It came out awesome with the selfie stick! What a hoot. Even the band wanted a copy!

For food, they had Roxbury Pizza come out. It was DELICIOUS!!! I think our favorite was the taco pizza! YUM! 

After, the kids just had a blast running around and swimming. The girls played on the swing set. Brooklyn, Brennley's older sister had them all on the bench swing and was telling them stories. They loved it. It was a GREAT party. 

We were so happy to be there for Milana's special day

Hey Kid

Band Selfie

Cake time

Pinata

Movie time!

Happy Birthday Jim - 186/365

Today is was Jimmy's Birthday! He was turning 38.

Reagan wanted to have a Star Wars birthday party for him, since "that is his favorite movie." We went to the store and got some center pieces, darth vader balloon, Dairy Queen ice cream cupcakes and we made daddy's favorite dinner...meat candy! He was so happy with his little birthday party!

It was funny because we had some trick candles for him to blow out. He would blow them out, then they kept lighting up. He was laughing. 

We just hung around the house tonight and played. It was a really nice birthday for Jimmy!

Happy Birthday, Jim!

Singing Happy Birthday

Tick Candles

Happy Birthday, Raymond - 144/365

Today it was Raymond's Birthday!

Jennifer had invited us all over for a little party!

She was going to make some chicken, steak and a bunch of yummy sides.

It was quite the spread. YUM! I was in charge of the dessert, so I got an Oreo cake. It was pretty good.

Jennifer's parents were there, too, so it was nice to visit with them.

Reagan just loved playing with Dexter and I think he really loves her, too! It's so cute to see them together. It was a great little party.

Happy Birthday, Raymond!

Dexter kisses.

 Party Hat Britts

Papa Greg Birthday - 85/365

Today was a busy day!

Jim headed off to work and Reagan and I headed off to the preschool.

I was going to help box up the Easter Candy chocolate orders. It was a pretty big order but we were able to get it all done in the two and half hours! It worked out great!

After school, we went running a few errands. Once place was Target. Reagan was being all silly in the buggy putting her feet every which way. She's a nut!

After errands, it was time for ballet. When we got out of the car, Reagan arranged all her friends in her booster with the seat belt on, so they would be safe while we were in class. LOL! It was precious!

This evening, Reagan and Jim went over to Papa Greg's to visit him for his birthday! They had a great little visit and Papa Greg loved the Mickey golf card Reagan made for him! He was so happy to see them!

I had made plans with Deanna and Stephanie to meet up at Inner Circle for a quick dinner, so I met them! We had some awesome girl talk! Love those ladies!

Crazy Buggy Girl!

 Friends are safe!

 Happy Birthday, Papa Greg!

Brinkley Birthday Party - 67/365

We had nothing going on today, so we were going to spend the day at home! YAY!

Jim left for a little bit to do some grocery shopping, but other than that, we were home bound.

This afternoon, Reagan and I baked Brinkley an apple/peanut butter cake for his birthday. It was just an egg, peanut butter, chopped up apple and baking powder mixed up and baked for 20 minutes.

After it was done, we frosted it with peanut butter. She wanted him to have sprinkles on his "pupcake" so we ran one of his soft dog treats over the grater and made our own sprinkles. She was thrilled. We added two dog treats and a candle and we were ready for the party!

We took him downstairs in the open area and threw him his little party. We sang happy birthday, let him have his cake, and he opened his presents we got the other day. He seemed to like his party, but Reagan REALLY enjoyed it! LOL!

She sure loves her brother!

Little Betty Crocker

 The finished product

 Celebrate

YUM! 

 Presents

 

Present Time! - 46/365

Today we were spending the morning recovering from our crazy night of dog sickness! We managed to sleep about four hours, so that was nice.

This morning, Nana, Papa, Ray and Jenn wanted to come over while Reagan opened her presents. They were having so much fun running and playing at the party, that we never got around to it, so this morning, we were going to take our time and let her open them. I was going to take a picture of her with each present, so that I could include it with her thank you notes, that way everyone could see her with the present she got. Reagan was loving taking the pictures, which was a change!

Everyone was so generous with her, she got so many lovely presents!

After present time, we all went up to Inner Circle for some lunch. We had a nice time, then it was time to come home and take NAPS! Reagan, Jim and I all took nice long naps. It was nice!

Reagan and her presents!

Everything is opened! YAY! Thank you everyone!!!

Happy 4th Birthday, Reagan / Goodbye Mabel - 42/365

Today our baby girl turned FOUR! FOUR!

Time sure does fly! She is just an amazing little girl! She's sweet, funny, smart, loveable, and so easy going. She is just a blessing in our lives. She brings us so much joy!

Last year I wanted to start a tradition I read about on Pinterest where you ask your child (starting at age three) the same questions every year and see how their answers change.

 

Here are her answers from LAST year. Age THREE:

1. How old are you? "Free" - Three

2. Where do you live?  Ah-hi-oh - Ohio

3. What is your favorite food? Eggs & Cheerios with Milk 

4. What makes you happy? When I poop. That makes big people happy. Toys 

5. What makes you sad? When I can't get the bread off the table. (She wanted bread before her pasta one night and stole a whole loaf of bread off the table. She ran around the house not giving up the bread, resulting in a time out.) 

6. Who is your best friend? Mr. Fuzzy 

7. What is something mommy always says to you? Make a poop 

 8. What is something daddy always says to you? Pee pee 

9. What is your favorite book? Jasmine 

10. What do you like to do with daddy? Go to the bouncy place 

11. What do you like to do with mommy? Play 

12. What is your favorite color? Blue 

13. What is your favorite candy? Chocolate 

14. What is your favorite drink? Milk 

15. What is your favorite TV Show? Sing-a-long (her princess sing-a-long DVD) 

16. What is your favorite movie? Frozen 

7. What is your favorite song? Aurora, Sleeping Beauty. (Eventually I got, "Let it Go") 

18. What is your favorite Toy? Sofia Castle 

19. What is your favorite animal? Pig 

20. Where is your favorite place to go? Giant Eagle. That's where the food is. 

21. Where do you want to live when you grow up? No, I live here. I want to live here. 

22. What do you want to be when you grow up? A pumpkin 

 

Here are her CURRENT answers. AGE FOUR

1. How old are you? Four

2. Where do you live?  Here. Me: Where's that? Her: Right here

3. What is your favorite food? Chicken nuggets

4. What makes you happy? You and daddy giving me hugs and kisses.

5. What makes you sad? When you guys are mad at me.

6. Who is your best friend? Alivia

7. What is something mommy always says to you? Please do, something.

 8. What is something daddy always says to you?  Sit with me to watch TV

9. What is your favorite book? Slumber Party Sofia

10. What do you like to do with daddy? Play Candyland

11. What do you like to do with mommy? Play games with you, too.

12. What is your favorite color? Pink, Purple and Blue

13. What is your favorite candy?  Cake

14. What is your favorite drink? Apple Juice and Milk

15. What is your favorite TV Show?  Strawberry Shortcake

16. What is your favorite movie? Cinderella

7. What is your favorite song? Aurora's song.

18. What is your favorite Toy? My princess toys

19. What is your favorite animal? Flamingos

20. Where is your favorite place to go?  Magic Kingdom

21. Where do you want to live when you grow up? Mommy, I want to still live here.

22. What do you want to be when you grow up? Ballerina

 

This evening to celebrate, we decided to take Reagan bowling. She had never been, and Jim and I hadn't been for ages either. She was pretty excited and she did pretty good. She loved holding her ball with two hands and winging it down the lane. It took nearly a full minute for the ball to actually hit the pins, but she got it there! She ended up with a 39! That's not too shabby!

Jim and I did, OK and were pretty thankful for the bumpers! LOL! They helped us out A LOT! Both Jim and I would have been in been trouble if it wasn't for them! LOL! I ended up winning! Woo hoo!

All in all, she loved bowling and wants to go again, soon!

When we got home, we had pizza and ice cream cake. That has been our tradition for Reagan to have ice cream cake on her actual birthday and then regular cake for her party. I had Dairy Queen put a Frozen edible image on it and she was stoked!

After that, she opened her presents. I think her favorite thing was her panda FurReal friend. She loved it! She was also pretty pumped about her Littlest Pet Shop house.

We hope she had a good birthday!

Here she is ready to bowl!



Rolling the ball...

Present time!

Cake time!

Nana and I took her to lunch this afternoon and she wrote Happ y Birthday, Reagan to herself. It was so cute! We kept it for her!

 

Today has been a bittersweet day. We were celebrating the birthday of our sweet little Reagan. But, we are also mourning the loss of Jim's, sweet, grandma Mabel. She was one of the kindest people you'd ever want to meet. She always had a smile and a treasure she'd want to give you. If you got the chance to know Mabel, you know you barely got to see her sweet little face since it was always covered with a camera. Not many can rival me in the picture taking category, but she sure gave me a run for my money! We are going to miss her so much. Rest in Peace, sweet Mabel! We love you!

Christmas Continues & January Birthdays - 4/365

We were off to the farm today to have our Christmas celebration. We were going to do it earlier in the month, but everyone had the funk, so we postponed until today. 

Nana and Papa got cavatelli, meatballs, sausage, salad and rolls from LaRocca's in Poland for our meal. It was SO GOOD!

Reagan got a lot of great presents. She was so excited! 

We did our traditional $20 boy/girl gift exchange. Jim got some cool tote bags and I got a Bob Evan's gift card and chocolate! 

We also celebrated all the January birthday's and Nana's from December today, too! We have four January birthdays on that side of the family! I got a bird house, candle and a Target gift card! I was pumped! LOVE Target!

We had a fun afternoon visiting with everyone!

Papa helping Reagan open presents

 Sitting with great grandma Downard

 Posing with the tree Belinda made

 Heading out to shop with Nana's purse!

 The cake!

Maleficent Party - 313/365

Today was Reagan's first friend birthday party. 

She got invited to Audrina's Maleficent Party. She's her little friend from school. She was so excited all day to go! She couldn't wait! 

We got there and the place was decked out. They had purple fairy wings for all the girls and little Maleficent horns for them to wear!

The punch for the kids was even purple and green and was bubbling. It was super cool!

After awhile, Maleficent and Aurora showed up and the crowd went wild. They loved it. The girls couldn't even get in the door from the mad rush of kids. It was so sweet!

They had a DJ, so the kids had a blast dancing! Everything was just perfect!
We had a blast!

YSU and Rachel's Surprise Party -255/365

Today we had a lazy day hanging around the house in the morning.

I did a little cleaning and Reagan and Jim played outside for a little bit. 

This afternoon and evening was going to be a busy one! Jim was heading off to the YSU football game with Greg. No one was tailgating for this game, so they ended up tailgating in Greg's car. They had chips and salsa sprawled out on the console. They put the salsa in the cup holder and a couple beers in the side pockets of the door. They were laughing. It was a hoot.

The game itself was good. It started out a little rough for YSU, though. After the first quarter, they were losing by a touchdown. They ended up coming back and winning with an amazing score of 

44-13 against Butler. 

While Jim was there, Nana and Papa came to pick Reagan and I up for Rachel's 30th surprise birthday party. Jim was just going to meet us at Alberini's after the YSU game.

Rachel seemed so surprised when she came through the door, but we all think she was on to it. Ron said she asked him questions all day. 

The party itself was fun! Nana, Papa, Jim, Reagan and I, sat with Cindi and Larry. We had a fun time catching up with them. It was so nice to see everyone at the party. Everybody is always so nice. Parker and Reagan had a fun time dancing, jumping off chairs and helping the DJ with some tunes. They both got to wear his headphones. It was adorable!

Reagan even helped Milana get a lesson in walking.

Super fun day!

The first picture is Greg and Jim at the YSU game. 

Next, is Rachel, Ron, Milana and Parker at the party

Reagan and Parker getting down!

Finally, Reagan helping Milana walk.