Our Stay-Cation

Earlier this week when I was driving the kids into town to pick Pops up from court and get dropped off at work, the Toads complained that we never go into town to play. Pops had court on Thursday so I took the day off of work to play with the kids in the city! There's no better place to play than Boston Common and the Public Gardens. Pops got out of court early so he joined us!

First stop, Swan Boats!

Can you believe Pops has never gone for a ride before?

It really was the perfect day. Not too hot, not too cold, not a cloud in the sky.

This kid is an old pro by now!

We were famished after cruising with the swans so we stopped for our picnic.

Next stop, The Ducklings. 

 

Little Chief is not a fan.
Or maybe he is not a fan of being forced into pictures?
That seems more like it.

Superkid, at least, appreciates some good fun.

We need to work on our duck etiquette...

Then off to Frog Pond to introduce the littlest Toad to his habitat.

This is a kid who loves a good tradition.

This was Tadpole's favorite part.

Ribbit.

Our best attempt at a group shot.

Next stop. Tadpole's Playground!

Finally something Jaws can appreciate.

Good times!

It was a big day in the big city! We crashed hard.

The Little Character

This little guy is quite the character. He is the family comic. He likes to peek his little face around the corner and say, "HI!" Then he laughs his pants off because it is the best joke ever. It really is. How do we stand it?

Happy Birthday Abizella!

Abizella's 9th birthday falls under one of those special days of the year where it is "worth it" to sleep on a head of curlers!

I love this face!

We had a big surprise coming Abzizella's way and we needed to stall until dinner time so we opened presents. Abizella was spoiled rotten... but her favorite gift was definitely her long-wanted seal! She named her Oreo. (Thank-you Grandma and Grandpa!)

Then it was time for the BIG surprise! Her FRIEND Sara came to visit all the way from New York!!!

We were happy to see the entire Zeller family! They are simply the BEST!

They have someone for everyone to play with!

Abizella chose Cold Stone peanut butter cup and cookie dough ice cream pies for dessert. Nice choice.

We got to meet the littlest Zeller. I love sleep smiles.

These girls are two of a kind.

These guys are old buddies too!

These two are infamous enemies. At least they used to be! 4 years and they have finally warmed up to each other! Now they are two peas in a pod.

It was an extra-special event because the whole family spent the night with us. We stayed up late chatting and watching movies.
We're so glad they came to visit!

What a great 9th birthday!

How do I love you Abizella? Let me count 9 ways!
1. You are the family glue. You play with everyone. You take care of everyone.
2. You know how to make everyone feel special. From treating me to a "You Spa" treatment to patiently listening to and encouraging your brother Tadpole read.
3. You are determined. If there is something you want, you just do it. When you were five and you wanted a bike, you jumped on your brother's bike and learned to ride it in a single day. When you want cake, you make one. Whatever you want, you go after it.
4. You are a goof-ball who laughs at your own jokes.
5. You love to see the world and make new friends. When we moved into our new house you jumped on your bike and went out looking for new friends and adventures.
6. You love nature. You love to be outside in the snow, rain and the sunshine. And you're not afraid to get dirty!
7. You love to perform and be the center of attention.
8. You are intelligent and easily understand new concepts. You LOVE to read.
9. You have a wonderful heart. I love being your mother. I am blessed to have you in my life.

Happy Birthday Abizella! We all love you like crazy!

The Party Planner's Party

Abizella asked if she could have a couple of friends over to jump on the trampoline and eat cake for her birthday. That sounded like a great idea to me! Why not let everyone decorate their own cake?!

 The girls were pros!

 The brothers got to play...

 ...and eat too!

 Nine is going to be a glorious year!

The Thing About The Trampoline

...is that it is ridiculously fun.