Allie's First Big Girl Haircut

Yesterday, March 24th, I took Allie to the Salon for her first, real, big girl haircut. I took her to Tracy at Ooh La La, which is where both boys and I get our haircuts as well. Allie was more than a little scared. She ended up sitting on my lap the whole time. She was less than still, which made it take a lot longer. She looks very stylish now, and her hair looks a lot less stringy and frizzy. It also looks thicker now, so I'm hoping it will start growing FAST!

Happy Birthday Toby

Toby is 33 now! Happy birthday and we love you very much!

Andy's 8th Birthday

For Andy's birthday this year we took him and four of his friends to Rocky Rococco's for pizza and games. He had a great time, and I'm happy to say that all of the kids were well behaved! Happy Birthday Andy!

Pizza Night

One night in February we let the boys make pizza for dinner. These pictures were just too cute, so I have to share them!

Uncle Bill's 70th Birthday Celebration - part 7 Time to go Home

The festivities ended on Monday as we all said goodbye and went our separate ways. The day was long and spent in cars and on airplanes. We're already missing everyone and anxious for the next visit!

Uncle Bill's 70th Birthday Celebration - part 6 Fun on Sunday

After breakfast Sunday morning, the rest of the day was just spent visiting and being together. We spent more time in the pool in the late morning. That afternoon we went to Boardwalk to feed the ducks and ride some rides. (I have no pictures of Boardwalk, but if anyone does and emails them to me, I'll be happy to add them!)
Later that night, we all went back across the street to Papa's (the restaurant we had our breakfast at, too) and had a really nice dinner. The best part was watching the kids all play together. The got along like they spend every weekend together, and that was such a joy to watch.

Uncle Bill's 70th Birthday Celebration - part 5 more group photos

(each entry only allows so many pictures... here are more from Sunday morning breakfast)

Uncle Bill's 70th Birthday Celebration - part 4 Group Photos

After the show on Saturday night, we all went back to Bill and Elaine's room to spend some more time together. The kids had fun playing games and everyone spent time talking and laughing. Holly had a surprise for everyone..... light blue tshirts celebrating the "Septuagenarian Rush Weekend". Bill's shirt had the title "Old Guy" embroidered on front and a pocket (of course!!) and Elaine's said "Old Guy's Wife"! Uncle Bill made a speech (which made me cry!) letting us all know how very special we are to him.

Uncle Bill's 70th Birthday Celebration - part 3 The Dixie Stampede

After swimming that afternoon, the plan for Saturday night was to attend a show in town - The Dixie Stampede. After a pre-show with an amazing juggler, we entered the main theater which is basically an arena. The seats are behind long tables, since dinner was part of the show. The entire show, which takes place in the center (not a bad seat in the house!) is horse tricks, performances and races. During the show, dinner is served and true to theme, you eat with your hands. The kids all had a blast, cheering on for "our side" and watching the horses. My favorite comment of the night was when Adam told me that it was so much fun and such good food, and could we please go back for breakfast the next day!

Uncle Bill's 70th Birthday Celebration - part 2 Fun in Myrtle Beach

The whole clan travelled (in three mini-vans and one car!) to Myrtle Beach the next morning. Bill, Elaine, Suzie and Bob in one van; Sherri, Renee, Ashley, Nicole and Allie in the next; and Mark, Sharon, Lauren, Jessie, Andy and Adam in a third van. Shawn and Toby stayed behind to pick up Randy and Kathy from the airport and join us later. The Ohio branch - Steve, Holly, Abby and Stephie - met us in Myrtle.
Once we were all there, we checked in and headed straight for the pool. The kids had a WONDERFUL time playing together in the water (both big and little kids of course!). We all stayed at Breaker's, which has a really fun indoor water park! They had a large pool, baby pool, hot tubs, and a lazy river. The kids played for hours and loved every minute of it!

Uncle Bill's 70th Birthday Celebration - part 1

(It's been a little while already, but life tends to get in the way sometimes. Apologies to any readers that I made you wait so long for this!)
On Friday the 17th of February, the five of us flew to Raleigh, North Carolina to begin a weekend of celebrating Renee's Uncle Bill's birthday. This was the first time since Randy and Kathy's wedding (FIVE long years ago!) that the entire clan was all together. The total count for the weekend was 14 adults and 9 kids!
We arrived safely in Raleigh with only a "minor" airport incident (running through two airport concourses with three kids is NOT as much fun as it sounds!). We all went to Sherri, Shawn, Ashley and Nicole's house the first night for some dinner and visiting. That night wasn't a late one, since we all planned on an early start the next day for the drive to Myrtle.