Surprise - Stephanie is 40!

The Saturday before Memorial Day Weekend, I called my Sister-in-Law Stephanie (SIL) to catch up.  She mentioned that her husband Brian (Keith's older brother) was having a 40th birthday party for her the following weekend and that we should come.  We had plans that weekend including a pool party for the Dragons football team and the neighborhood pool opening party.  After I got off of the phone, I talked with Keith and we decided to make the 7 hour drive to Sheridan, WY to surprise Stephanie.  We cancelled our plans with the Dragons, but we had to be back for the neighborhood pool opening party on Monday.  It's not every day that your SIL turns 40.  Plus, we love to see the Wyoming Hamiltons and the boys couldn't wait to see their cousins.  It was date.  Now... to pull it off.

Keith called his Mom and Dad to let them know that we would be staying with them, and then he swore them to secrecy.

I called Stephanie's sister Tammy to set up plans to see Stephanie Saturday morning, then I swore her to secrecy.

Keith called his brother, Brian to fill him on the plans and to let him know that we volunteered to bring the beer, then swore him to secrecy.

We were all set.  Now... to keep the secret.

Friday afternoon we drove to Sheridan.

Saturday we were up early to pull off our plan.

I drove to Stephanie's favorite coffee shop in town to wait for her sister to bring her by for a birthday coffee date.  

Keith and the boys stayed at Nana and Papa's to have blueberry pancakes.  (yes, I was sad to miss that breakfast, but I was more excited to surprise Stephanie)

I found a perfect seat in the back of the coffee shop where I could be incognito.  The plan was that Stephanie and Tammy would sit down with their coffee and then Tammy would mention that a woman across the shop looked like Carrie.  I was going to pretend that I didn't know them.

Instead, Stephanie parked in the back and walked right in to see me.  I really tried to pull off the plan that I didn't know her.  I even said "do I know you?" with a confused look on my face.  She didn't buy it.  She was SO excited that she literally climbed into my lap.  It was fantastic and SO fun!

Happy Birthday, Stephanie!

40 looks Fantastic on You!

Meanwhile, Stephanie asked if Keith and the boys were in town to which I told her they were at Nana and Papas.

She said that Brian and the kids went to Brians office, to which I told her that they went to Nana and Papas for breakfast.

Brian told the kids on the way to Nana and Papas that we were in town.

It was a surprise all the way around.

SO FUN!

Tammy, Stephanie and Carrie having fun at Java Moon

On our way out of Java Moon, we heard from Brian and Keith that they were headed back to Brian's house to get ready for the party.  We stopped by to drop a few things off and while we waited for them, we had a frosty beverage on Stephanie's patio to celebrate her big day.  

Once the guys arrived, we wanted a photo, which we had to wait to take because Stephanie had a million telephone calls that she was fielding.  It's tough being so popular when your'e 40 :)

Cheers, Stephanie!

Happy Birthday!

We arrived at Nana and Papa's with pizza for lunch and the kids immediately bellied up to the table.

Oliver, Kaden, Lauren, Hailey and Oliver

The birthday girl enjoying some pizza.

Is there a Dr in the house?

Kellan discovered that you could hear what was coming into the stethoscope.  This was non-stop fun, especially while singing "Do, Re, Mi".

It was "too bright" for our blue eyed boy, so we went to fetch his sunglasses.  Hailey wanted some too.  Lucky for her, we have two boys, so two pairs of sunglasses.

I asked them to smile for a photo and this is what I got.

Complete Cuteness!!!!

The kids love playing in Nana and Papas backyard.  You just never know what you'll find, including this golf ball in the tree.

Do we have a monkey in the house?

Not one, but two monkeys!

Four little monkeys hanging in the tree.

(Just long enough for a photo, then the party was moved along as to not break the tree)

Kellan wanted to go for a walk, so off we went.

He LOVES running on the fairways outside of Nana and Papas gate.  We looked around and with no golfers in sight, we let them loose.

Kellan sprinting across the fairway.

SO HAPPY!

Running toward Daddy with a Hi-Five hand out.

Completely dissed Daddy's hi-five.

Down by the pond, we lined up the kids for a few photos.

Nana and Papa have the best scenery for photos, I always love to take advantage of it.

Kellan (3), Kaden (8), Lauren (11), Hailey (2), Oliver (6)

Group Shot!

Everyone Squeeze together!

Lauren and Hailey

Kellan, Kaden and Oliver

Taking off in a sprint, the boys wanted to show us where the water was flooding the pathway.

Check it out, the creek was now a river over the cart path.

Quick, one more photo before we all go take some much desired naps.

Hailey, Lauren, Kellan, Oliver and Kaden.

Once back at Nana and Papa's, Aunt Stephanie offered for Oliver to come over and play while Hailey and Kellan napped.  He jumped at that opportunity.

Fast forward a few hours and it was finally time for the big party!

It practically seemed like the whole town was there.  Not quite, but probably close.  It was fun to meet all of Brian and Stephanie's friends that they often talk about.

It was also fun to see this little guy again, Nash.

Nash loved to play in the sand box.  He loved it so  much that he wanted to share the love by burying Kellan in sand.  Kellan wasn't much of a fan of that idea, but after he was all brushed off, he was good as new.

Oliver watched the happenings from on top of the play structure.

A smile for Mommy.

Kellan spent hours and hours in this sand box.  Oliver was never a big fan of playing in sand boxes, but Kellan loves it.  We may need to consider one for his backyard.

Keith and Carrie enjoyed some fun and relaxation at Brian and Stephanie's party.  Keith really enjoyed catching up with people whom he hadn't seen in years.

As the sun was going down, I found this guy under the slide, still playing in the sand.

He really did love it.

Early in the evening, Oliver was heard saying that this was the worst party ever (so dramatic) because there wasn't anyone for him to play with.  Really, there were a gazillion kids there, so it wasn't a matter of nobody for him to play with, but nobody he knew to play with.

So, after some quiet R&R, we went out to find Lauren firing up a game of tag with her friends.  I pulled Lauren to the side and told her that Oliver was shy because he didn't know anyone.  Without hesitation, she said "Come on, Oliver, we're playing tag. You're on my team because you're fast."  I sure love that girl and she made my heart swell with love and pride.  She took Oliver in and he wasn't seen alone for the rest of the night.

I may have had concern when I saw him with a pack of kids all carrying larger than life sticks.

Then I decided to let it go, because this is what kids in the country do. This is what Keith and I did as a kid.  Oliver needs more time with life size sticks.

Happy 40th Birthday Stephanie.

May you always be as sweet as you are today and if you happen to need some help, Cousin Penny has hooked you up with a bouquet of candy.

As the sun went down and darkness settled in all around us, the party began to wind down.  It was so fun to surprise Stephanie and help her ring in 40 fantastic years.

As we were leaving, Oliver was heard saying "this was the best party ever" as he fell into a sweet slumber.

Stephanie, we do hope that you agree with Oliver and that your next 40 years are just as fantastic as the first 40.

Olivers Kindergarten Program

It's crazy to think how fast Kindergarten flew by for Oliver.  It is almost like he just started yesterday and we were making him pose for a first day of school photo.

Nine months later, he's wearing the same shirt and posing for the same photo for the (almost) last day of school.  I thought that there would be a big transformation between the first and last days of school, but in fact, there doesn't appear to be much.

What you can't see is that this kid is now a reader!!

When the teacher asked us what our top goal for Oliver was this year, we said that we wanted him to learn how to read.  Not only can he read, his math skills are amazing, he has navigated a larger school than he has ever been in, he has figured out what he likes and doesn't like on the hot lunch menu, he can purchase his own hot lunch, he discovered that he loves math club, he has impressed his class with his love and knowledge of animals and he has made so many new friends.  

He has conquered Kindergarten and he's ready for the big world of First Grade!

On this nearly last day of school, his Kindergarten class invited parents for their poetry reading and song singing presentation.  We were SO proud of our Big Guy!

Not only did he learn poetry all year long but he created this poetry book that he can keep forever!  His Mommy loves it.

For weeks, we had been hearing about Oliver's bean plant that he had been growing in a self contained ecosystem in the window.  Finally, he got to show it off.

In his competitive nature, he was excited that his plant was one of the largest.

Our Big Kindergartner with his ecosystem.

Lets pack your bags and pop this place like a soda can.

It's time to take on First Grade!

We are SO very proud of you, Oliver and we can't wait to see what First Grade brings. You're going to rock it!

Spring Football Playoffs

After another undefeated season of Dragons football, the playoffs had arrived. 

Yes, ANOTHER undefeated season.

We thought that THIS would be the season that the Dragons learned that you win some and you loose some.  The Dragons have dominated the past two years, while they played in the 4-5 year old league.  This year, they moved up to the 6-7 year old league, so the odds were that there would be another team who would dominate.  Apparently, us parents didn't know what were were thinking because the Dragons proved that age is no reason to loose football games.  If nothing else, it gives you more to play hard for.

Kellan, he is focused on two things at the football games and the playground is one of them.  When he's in luck, he gets to play during the 30 minute practice prior to the game.

Yes, the playground makes this boy happy!

The second thing that Kellan is focused on is the iPad.

We hope that he has enjoyed it because next season, he'll be on the field instead of the sidelines.  Yes, he has been signed up for 4-5 year old flag football in the fall. (Gasp... yes, he'll be 4 in August).  He'll be on the field right along side his iPad sidekick, Cole.

Game Time had finally arrived and Oliver was ready to rock!

This is when I know that I should get my camera ready, when Coach Ben leans in towards Oliver and points at me.  I'm sure he's saying "run that way and give your Mom a great show because she would like to take some award winning photos."

Or... maybe he's telling him what the next play is in the game.

Regardless, I know that it's time to get ready.

Look at that focus.

Look at that determination.

Look at that awesome fake that distracted at least one defense man.

I'm buying it.

The next time around, there was no faking to be found.

Oliver took the hand off and took off running.

He entered the gauntlet of players.

Straight up the middle and he came out with his flags and the ball.

There were a few near misses.

He skirted all of the defense...

... and had his eye on the prize.

He kicked in the turbo...

... and his legs took flight.

As he looked back to check on his lead...

... he looked right at his Mama for that award winning photo.

"You got it, Mom?"

"Good!"

"Now I've got a touchdown to make."

He took it all of the way into the end zone for a touchdown and left the defense in his dust.

Not all of the plays were touchdowns, but every kids play makes progress to take the Dragons towards another win.

Next up, the "Super Bowl" of flag football.

The championship game is the final game of the season and we know that we are bound to go up against the most challenging team in our age group.  The game that ended in a tie a few weeks prior, the team that Oliver's school buddy is on, the Gorillas.