Beautiful Balloons

Bright and early Friday, September 2nd, we went to Ann Morrison Park to see the mass hot air balloon launch. Actually, we drove to the rim overlooking the park. I figured the experience would be more visually stunning from there. I was determined this year to finally have our family make it to this event. Jane was dragging her feet about going because she was so sleepy. I should have taken a picture of her face when we got out of the car and she first saw the balloons taking off. I knew she'd be glad she got up early to come. =)


When we arrived just before 7:30, there were only a few airborne balloons. The rest were still assembled in the park.



I played with the picture editing on this one.



The sun's position was making it tricky to look at the balloons, let alone get any pictures. Until there was a balloon eclipse.



And another one.






I think I was trying to coax Jane to stand with us for a picture.


Ignore my hair, admire the balloons.


Ryan had just been told he couldn't have a balloon ride. ;)



Cora enjoying some cocoa.







Oliver liked the "Captain America" balloon.






I was on cloud nine seeing all the balloons! It was so worth getting up (much) earlier than normal to be there.



This was my favorite balloon.

We stayed until it was time to take the girls to school. It was a lovely morning activity, in spite of the bad hair and grumpy faces. =) Can't wait until next year! But I guess I'll have to...

I Have a 10-Year-Old.

Cora-babe's 10th birthday was August 19th. She invited two friends and her cousin Malory to her party, and Jane got to bring the neighbor girl since Cora took a friend to Jane's party two weeks earlier.

I'd planned on taking the group of girls to play mini golf while Ryan stayed home with a napping Oliver, but I didn't get everything set up on time, so I ended up sending Ryan with the party while I stayed home to finish preparing the food and stuff. Now I can't remember if Oliver ended up napping that afternoon or not.



They had a fun time while I was home preparing for their return.



It looks so quiet and tidy.



Cora decided on Subway sandwiches for the meal. (I really, really wish my brother wouldn't have had to close his Gandolfo's Deli. Really.) Subway's not bad, unless you've had Gandolfo's to compare it with... Anyway, I picked up a bunch of the $5 footlongs, cut them into smaller sections, and served them on a platter. Then I assembled a fruit tray, poured some chips into a bowl, and my work was done.



All the hungry kids. Oliver, Jane, Cora, Emma, Malory, Kara, and Keisha in back(making a really weird face) .



We were waiting around for my parents and Ryan's parents to arrive before we ate, but I finally decided to just let the poor kids go ahead and eat.




Cora wanted donuts instead of birthday cake, so I got some and stacked them up to resemble a cake. I lucked out and Walmart had cute pink, white, and brown sprinkled donuts that day. I was pretty happy about that.

Cora doesn't like it when everyone is looking at her.





Opening presents.

It was a fun party, but it was over too soon. All Cora's guests had already had other plans for the evening , so they couldn't stay. We just hung out as a family for the rest of the day. I think we watched a movie, but I can't remember which one. Ahhh, fuzzy memories...

I feel very lucky to have such a fun, happy, smart, responsible daughter like Cora.

Super Ollie!

Oliver has a newish fixation with superheroes. Lately he has been wearing a clip-on "superhero tie" every day, no matter what shirt he has on. I think he does it because Clark Kent wears a suit and tie.

When he runs, he looks down to see if the tie is properly flapping in the wind. I got him some Superman pajamas (that he wants to wear night and day) and he still clips a tie on them.



Here's a random pic of my fun little buddy.




And another...Hiding in the hamper. I love seeing those baby blue eyes every single day of my life.

Maisie and Fletch Turn Four!

August was just one party after another. Saturday the 6th was my niece and nephew's turn. Their birthdays are about a week apart, so every year they have a joint celebration. This time it was a zoo party, followed by a picnic in the park.

The bear was finally out. He looks really comfy.


Jane sure looks happy to be alive.


Some of us went for a spin on the carousel.


Maisie looked so thrilled to be there!


Isaac and Fletcher

I didn't take too many pics inside the zoo since it was my third time there in as many months.

Everyone involved in the party met at the adjoining park for a sandwich lunch. Yum... I think I'm going to go make myself a sandwich as soon as I finish this post. I'm hungry.



Fletch in the hat Maisie's mom (Maren) crafted. So stinking cute! Maren has incredible skills.



And matching lion "doll". Fletch looked so sweet.



Pinata time!


They had a rope slung over a tree branch so the pinata could be raised and lowered, making it extra tough to swing at it. It was hard enough trying to get a picture of it- let alone trying to hit it. It kept getting lifted up just as I'd press the button on the camera.



Oliver looked optimistic.



Finally someone shattered the monkey.


Meg disemboweling it.




Maren's mediocre attempt at decorating a cake... =) I think that gal is worth millions of dollars.


I think poor Maisie was sleepy that day. She doesn't typically look so blank.

It was a fun little party. Now Fletch and Maisie are big 4-year-olds. Yay!

Jane Turned Eight!

It's true- our little Jane is no longer seven. Her birthday was August 4th. She'd been planning the details of her big day for many weeks. She wanted to have Mexican food for dinner (from Los Beto's), then go bowling, then have monkey bread instead of cake. We invited a few friends and cousins over to our house to celebrate. We ate first, then we took the group bowling. I planned accordingly and we got there early enough to qualify for half price Thursday. After that, we came back home for Jane's requested monkey bread and ice cream. Dessert was a hit! Then it was time for presents before everyone had to go home. It was insane how quickly 4 hours went!


I actually put up a few decorations.


Jane opened a couple of presents in the morning to get her through the day.


She got the Build-a-Bear pink poncho she'd been wanting.


My mom, Cora, and Cora's friend, Keisha.


Cousin Ethan and Oliver.


Ryan, his rump, and Oliver.


Emma (our neighbor) and the birthday girl.


Friend Maya with Janey




He looked so cute in bowling shoes.




Cora's eyes match the ball.




There's no way that wish isn't going to come true.



I think someone's trying to sneak a smackerel of monkey bread.


The dress Cora picked out for Jane.



Jane's cousins and friends and their birthday offerings.

The party was a success. Somehow we made it happen despite the fact that it was one of the hardest weeks of my life.