9th B-day

My little man celebrated his 9th birthday yesterday!

I helped Magdalene make his birthday cake using a recipe from her new cook book. It was a big hit (very delicious)! She is becoming very adept in the kitchen and we all benefit!

The big green candle was our solution to mom someone having forgot to get birthday candles. Worked great though. Green is Lawrence's favorite color and there was already the right size hole in the cake.

G'ma provided the birthday boy with a 6 pack, and since he is my only kid who likes "black pop" he doesn't even have to share!

Star Wars and Lego!! Perfect combination! 

A couple of Lawrence's cousins are in from out-of-state visiting G'ma for a few days and the timing was perfect. The boys were able to join us in the celebration. 

As you can see, they enjoyed each other's company. And, thankfully, the only injury they sustained was a swat to the side of the head for the birthday boy during sword play! (Notice the scratches near Lawrence's right eye). He recovered quickly and their activity choice soon switched to Legos! Smart thinking.

Always a good time when you can share your day with friends!! 

Even better when the friends are also family!!

Thanks for joining us!

(Thanks to G'ma, too. It is always a pleasure to have you with us!)

 And, to my new 9 year old!!!

I hope you know how loved you are.

You are laughter, smiles, craziness, chaos, and love all bundled into one!

Out of all of the boys in the world, I am so glad God chose you to be in our family!

2 WEEKS ON THE ROAD (Part 4)

Monday... Destination = Ohio Friends = Steve and Emily

The next leg of our journey took us to Ohio to visit some friends who use to live in MN. It had been a few years since our last chance to see each other and it was great being able to spend some time catching up and enjoying each other's company.

The kids got along great. They had so much fun together.

My godson, Adam. What a pleasure to see him growing into such a fine young man!

Thank you, Steve and Emily and family, for making us feel so welcome!!

We had the opportunity to visit their store. Steve and Emily, we wish you all the best in your new adventure!

Want a great deal? You can get all this for just $99.99. Any Takers?

2 WEEKS ON THE ROAD (Part 3)

Wednesday. Destination = Tennessee. Family = Mark's family

We arrived in TN late Wednesday night (actually, early Thursday morning). After sleeping in

Thursday, we rode up the Incline Railway to the top of Lookout Mountain; a mile high trolley ride ending with a 72.7% grade incline.

We then crossed the boarder into Georgia to drive through the Chickamauga Battlefield. This was the sight of the second bloodiest battle (second to Gettysburg) of the Civil War. It encompasses over 5300 acres and includes 705 monuments and historical markers.

Friday we drove up into the Smoky Mountains. We went to Cade's Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Friday evening were treated to a southern meal for dinner at Mark's parents... fried taters, fried okra, cucumber salad, beans, and corn bread. YUM! Thanks, Audrey. It was delicious.

Saturday we were invited to Mark's sister's home for swimming and a cook out. Unfortunately, Mark's older sister and her family and Mark's dad left before we thought to get a group photo. Thank-you, Maria and Scotty, we had a great time.

After Mass on Sunday, we spent the afternoon driving around Chattanooga and visiting some local attractions.

Mark's home is a short drive from the McKee Foods Corp. McKee is the company that makes Little Debbie products. It was fun to drive by the plant and visit the bakery store. Every time we restocked snacks for driving, Little Debbies were included, so it was great to get them at a discount! Each one of us was able to find our favorite.

Of course, no trip to Chattanooga would be complete without a stop to see the Chattanooga Choo-Choo!! It is, after all, the "World's Most Famous Railroad Station!"

To finish off our visit in town we took a ride on the indoor carousel.

Next post... Monday... Destination = Ohio Friends = Steve and Emily