4 of the Things I Love About You

1. Tad is the best one for chat and to share a Coke.

2. Tad is inquisitive about the laws of science. "Why does the boat float in the water?" "Why buoyancy?" "Where did the sun go?" "Why rotation?" "Why does my plane stay in the air?" "Why Bernoulli principle?"

3. Tad is a true believer in the healing power of his blanky.

4. Tad is the most AMAZING snuggler. I love it when he says, "Mom, can we snuggle?"

Tadpole, your Dad and I talk about you all the time. You are bright, articulate, curious, interesting, joyful, loving and really good looking. When you start preschool in a month it is going to break your Daddy's heart. He LOVES hanging out with you.
We love you! Happy Birthday!

Where the PARTY Never Ends!

We picked the celebration right back up this morning. The day that Tadpole entered the Toad's tidepool is among the best days EVER. So good, the festivities commemorating the event began a day early!

Tadpole picked his favorite meal for breakfast, "porridge".
His cake was a tall order. Our old pal Percy came tooting into the party just in time...
If you are wondering, Percy is #6. Not sure who #4 is, but that may have been a more appropriate choice.
We all love Tadpole to pieces!
We're just hoping he is not wishing for a life size Percy!
Time to dive into the birthday cake...
I meant that figuratively, but oh well...
Lots of great gifts too!

It's Just REALLY Easy to Get Carried Away!

As part of Abizella's birthday present I surprised her with a "girl only" date to the American Girl Store. It was my first time. Abz went before with her friend Sara. I didn't understand at the time, but I got a call from Pops at 4:00 in the afternoon wondering where Abz was. She left at 9:00 that morning. I called Jeni and they were leaving just then. I thought those Zeller ladies (all 4 generations that went on the trip) must be crazy doll fanatics. I get it now. I wasn't 2 steps in the store before I was swept away. Maybe you can stand it if you didn't play with dolls until you were in high school, but I was (AM!) a huge doll fan.

We invited our 2 favorite New England Ladies to join us (although we did think about grandmas, cousins, aunties, and many friends who we would have loved to share the day with!)

First on the list was picking up a friend for Mindy-Lee (Abz's other doll). Abz chose Kit because she has short hair and freckles just like her.
Then we just ran around the store like maniacs trying to take it all in... horses! mini cupcakes! beds! tea sets! shaved ice stands! It was amazing!
It was a good thing that we got our energy burst out because we had a fancy lunch ahead of us and needed our best tea party manners!
Abizella just loves her new friend to pieces...

Even the littlest ladies were treated like princesses, adorned with birthday tiaras and served pink lemonade from a mini pitcher
At this point, it is certain that Andy and I are having more fun than anyone!
These girls think they have it good, the only thing better is to be their mothers!
Next-up... BIRTHDAY CAKE! Abizella announced, "I am just going to say my birthday wish out loud, because it already came true!"

And then the little ladies swapped cake and ice cream.
What?!!! There's more? Of course, the old true blue friends were due for a salon visit. Only after hanging up the phone with Andy does the question, "What time should I book salon visits for the girls?" strike me as hilarious.

Seriously, this is a day that I will never forget.
Thank-you Andy and Boo for making it even more fun and special for us!
You HAVE to click HERE to see Andy's post, complete with pic on baby Abz and Boo.

The Party

I can't BELIEVE I forgot!

Abizella has been talking about her birthday dinner for at least 6 months solid. Pops asked what we should do for dinner and I was throwing out ideas when Abizella interjected, "Excuse me, but what about my roasted pig with the slimy apple in its mouth?!" Oh, ya. I left the ball in Pops' court. They bought a big old Honey Baked ham substitute. It fit the bill.

Besides, it is hard to concentrate on food when you have TOYS on the brain!

I love it. Sheer joy.

And then there was the cake. After 3 yrs. of pony cakes, it is tough to keep it fresh, but with Abz assistance this year came out pretty decent.
What is she wishing? Tune in Saturday and you will see!

Happy Birthday Peachy Pie!

We interrupt this regularly scheduled vacation update to bring you (drum roll, please)...

ABIZELLA'S 6th BIRTHDAY!!!


Can you stand it?!
We worked late into the night on her birthday cake (to be revealed later in the day). She said it was the best girl's date ever. I agree.

This little lady is ALL personality. We love her to pieces. She holds a very important position among siblings. She is the glue. She is always looking for fun, and bringing her brothers along. We all simply adore her. We love you Abz. Happy Birthday!

Ohio or BUST!

The young Toads have proved themselves to be excellent road-trippers. There is 10.5 hrs. in road time from Boston to Kirtland Ohio. We were merciful and let the kiddos hop out and stretch their legs 6 hours into the trip when we got to Palmyra, NY.
It was also good for shaking off teddy graham dingle berries...
Okay, so maybe we had ulterior motives. Maybe it wasn't just about being merciful to the kids. Maybe there was a little educational moment about an "All-American Prophet" and his "All-American Angel" friend Moroni.
Yeah! Moroni!
Next thing I know, Lil' Chief started charging down the hill. Pops happily went after him, taking the opportunity to survey the hill muttering under his breath, "Now where could that stone box could be?"

But we finally did arrive in Ohio and took some time to gaze at the Kirtland Temple, built 175 years ago.
Superkid got in on the picture snapping fun...
After a little family reunion time, what better way to wrap up the day then take 4 tired kids to the local cinema to see the new Joseph Smith movie? That idea was squelched when upon arrival we saw the fire man heading out of the theater with an ax in hand.
No worries, we were able to buy a copy, a few bags of candy and then headed back to the hotel for a late night movie/pajama party.
Do the Toads know how to vacation, or what!?

10 Years Ago Today

It's 7:00 a.m. We have pulled 4 kids from their sweet slumber and stuffed them in their car chairs. Abizella has thrown up. We have stopped for donuts and chocolate milk. Pops has made a goal to not get a speeding ticket. We are heading out to Kirtland, Ohio for the Joseph Smith Sr. family reunion (much more of that to come).
Kinda takes me back. Actually, 10 years ago TODAY Pops and I loaded all of our earthly possessions into a Penske truck, grabbed a box of donuts and began our 3 day journey from Utah to Boston (via Kirtland, Ohio). I wish I could go back to the cab of that truck and listen to those two young kids chatter about their future. I think they would be pleased. Life is good. We have made a nice little life for ourselves in Boston. Pops has picked up a law degree. We've added 4 kids to the mix. We've both got jobs we love. We have made lots of great friends (although many have become long distance friends), and we all have our health. Things have worked out great.