Happy 3rd B-day JADEN!!!

What a day!! Jaden is 3 and a BIG boy- potty training, out of the "terrible 2's", riding a "real" bike, and now costs a ticket to most places (dang it)!! I love him so much and all the personality that comes with it. We had such a fun and crazy day.

This morning he got the blue bike that he's been asking for. The only downer was when he saw it he said, "But it's not a Go Diego bike." Maybe a Go Diego sticker will fix that problem.

I know it's not her b-day but I had to include the most patient baby of the day!! Poor little girl was neglected for a few hours while I got ready for Jaden's party. Thank goodness for a Grandma that saved her at the party!

We had a MESSY B-DAY Party!! I know, what was I thinking. This was the invitation (I know the writing is backwards, but I had to take a picture of it).

So this is how it went. When the kids came they got pictures of Jaden's face to draw on it and make it messy (this kept the kids attention for about oh 3 minutes- ahhh). Then it was pizza time.

When they were "done" they were then able to go fishing. This worked pretty well, minus the b-day boy trying to get in to swim and throwing other items a.k.a. rocks and plastic containers into the pool.

Next was Pin the Messy Face on Jaden. This worked pretty well, even though some kids had do desire to play, but that's okay!

Up next was the gem (at least I thought) FLUBBER!! This is that great gooey, slimy stuff (I have the recipe if any one wants it).

They were able to blow bubbles in it and smoosh it.

I guess the real HIT were the water balloons!! I was literally attacked by these crazy kids, wanting more and more and more balloons. We made a target on the fence for them to hit, but they wanted to just throw them at the fence. It was OUT of CONTROL, but sooo much fun! How do you like the "straight" line I had them in to take turns- oh well.

Doug taping the action from a safe spot.

Opening presents was great! I'll leave it at that! To get everyone to sit down I gave out Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes. I had never seen these before, but a friend gave me the idea. You pour the cake batter into a cone and cook them for 20-25 minutes. Super easy and no paper that makes a mess (I know, ironic for a Messy Party). They just eat the whole thing.

You can kind of see the cones in the white dishes.

Last was the b-day cake and singing. I tried to make this cupcake cake thing that looked super easy on the back of the Betty Crocker box, let's just say, I'm no Betty. Oh well, it looks good from a distance!

We had such a great time and I know Jaden was in heaven. He kept telling me his favorite thing were the water balloons, until this present appeared from Grandpa and Grandma a BOW!! Watch out Bambi, or should I say Bradli, we have another hunter in the family! Don't worry the arrows have rubber suction cups on the end. I guess turning 4 will require real arrows!
TO BE CONTINUED. . .

P.S. Todd, thanks for being the paparazzi!!

Going, Going, Going

That's what we have been doing lately, taking advantage of this beautiful Fall weather!

My girlfriend Susanne invited the kids and I to go up to Breckenridge for a few days, so we jumped at the chance to hang out in the mountains. Doug was out of town, so it worked out perfectly!!

Susanne and Miss Tabitha

They are going to hate us for this when they get older!!

Doug and I took the kids to a concert in the park (last one of the series- bummer) and I had to snap a few of Miss Bradli! I can't get over her blue eyes.

I have a confession, I am a Hunter's wife!! It has been the archery Elk Hunt this past month, so Doug has been gone over the weekend with his Dad and buddies. It's been a little lonely, so this past weekend, Karen and I decided to go with them. We stayed in a very "rustic" cabin, which was suitable for 2 kiddos. We went to the Grand Mesa which is about 4 hours from us and it was UNBELIEVABLE!! The leaves are beyond beautiful right now.

Just look at the scenery!!

Jaden loved throwing rocks into the many mountain lakes.

Bradli was very content in her car seat for most of the driving.

We went on a walk to the lake and Bradli had a much needed snooze!

Jaden and Karen in front of the "rustic" cabin!

Driving back home Jaden loved reading his book. We didn't have a DVD player and Jaden still did awesome. I think I'm a worst car traveler than he is!

On our drive home we stopped in Aspen. We had never been there before and it was well worth the extra time it took to get home. Talk about a very BUFFY place! Apparently when you're in the mountains, you need Prada, Dior, and Ralph Lauren- who knew??!! It was very kid friendly with a fun park and lots of GREAT people watching. I really wish I would have taken a picture of the old man in short white shorts, red socks pulled up, and a fanny pack!! Instead I just got pictures of these familiar faces.

Dear Fall,
Don't leave me any time soon!!

P.S. I'm loving the return of The Office (how great was the 1st episode!!) and The Amazing Race (are the New Yorkers for real- "I appreciate your speed, but you're lapping me every time." I thought he was a running trainer).

I HEART Water Parks!!

I LOVE water parks!!

I think that's why we went twice this past weekend. Once on Saturday and again on Monday. Doug was gone Saturday so I recruited some help from 2 girls that go to church with me. It was perfect because I was able to go on the big slides while they watched Jaden and Bradli. We had so much fun, so we went again on Monday with Doug. The only bummer, all the pools closed on Labor Day. I guess I'll have to get a season pass next year! I think I'm reliving my Jr. High days and hanging out at Wild Rivers!!

Doug making quite the splash!

one to one

My pencils are sharpened and I'm ready to learn! I've had this Mac for almost 2 years and tomorrow, bright and early (8AM) I start my "one to one" class at the Apple Store- I'm ready to learn how to really use this dang thing. Hopefully I'm not a drop-out like I was with my violin lessons- oops!

HELP!!!

My sister Heather is moving to DC and needs to find a job. Does anyone have any ideas or connections? They would be much appreciated!

FUN

FIRST DAY (of preschool). SHOOTING (bow and arrow). QUICK TRIP (to durango). FULL HOUSE (barnhurst "move-in", I wish). FAMILY (visit from joel and monica).