11.February

Oh, hello 45!

I woke to this smiling face laying between Paul and I.  I think a pretty good sight to see first thing in the morning. It being my birthday, Paul took the day off from work.  He drove A & C to school and returned to make me a delicious egg and sausage breakfast.  The plan for the day was -- no plans.  I wanted a relaxing day at home and that is exactly what I got.  I really really enjoy having Paul home.  Paul cooked one of my favorites for dinner and there was blueberry pie.

2.February

So, so much fun.  That's the only way I can describe Alix's 14th Birthday Party.  She chose a dance theme.  The twenty-five guests were asked to dress in their party finest.  We had a photo backdrop set up which the kids really got into.  There was pizza and birthday cake.  And lots and lots of dancing.  I was so surprised by how the boys danced too.  It was a fabulous evening.  Every time I looked at Alix she was beaming.  I don't think I have ever seen her quite so happy.  I was so pleased we were able to give her the party she wanted and deserved.

Into February

• Because we were screen-free for the week, Payday (my all-time favorite game as a kid) was played almost every night by Chance and Paul.  Alix and I played a few nights too.  I finally finished reading Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson.  

• I tried the Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe from Cook's Illustrated The Best Skillet Recipes .  I was so surprised with how much A&C liked it.

•  My paperwhites bloomed filling the house with their over-the-top scent.  

•  I spent Friday afternoon with my Mom shopping for Alix's birthday.  We spent a long time in Aeropostale.  We didn't tell Alix that my mom had me try on all of her new clothes.  That made for several laughs.

• On Saturday Alix turned thirteen.  THIRTEEN!  We've got a teenager in the house.  She celebrated with a sleepover party with dancing, movie watching, and several cream soda floats as well as make your own sundaes.  I hope your birthday was as fun and fabulous as you are.

71:365

Paul's Birthday Hike on the Wapack Trail

Our planned birthday hike was postponed by one day due to an April Fool's Day snowstorm that canceled school.  The day started off overcast but as the day progressed we saw patches of blue sky and the temperature was warm enough to start melting the fresh snow.  We were able to see numerous animal tracks -- turkeys, rabbits, deer, mice, and even moose.  Neko's nose was on high alert. 

A Well Spent Birthday

To celebrate my 43rd birthday, Paul took the day off from the office.  After teaming up to get A & C off to their schools we plotted out the day.  We would combine driving over to Bedford to check out training classes for Neko at American K9 Country with a walk around Pulpit Rock Conservation Area.  The weather was perfect - blue sky, temps in the 20's and no wind.  The trails were easy, although I could have used my yaktrax in a few spots.  The place had a totally different look in the winter.  

 

The day ended with my favorite meal, The Barefoot Contessa's Baked Shrimp Scampi -- better than a restaurant meal.  It was a wonderful day of fresh air, moving my body, good food and being with the man I love. 

37:365

Celebrating Alix's 12th and my 43rd Birthday.

35:365

:: I had this little flower arrangement delivered to my very sweet daughter at school for her twelfth Birthday.  Wishing you an amazing year, Alix. We love you!

Alix is Eleven today and all these things too....

A 9 - Year Old Boy

Our boy turned nine-years old today. At 3:36 pm to be exact as he kept reminding me. This nine-year old is:

• charming
• a clown
• sensitive
• a lover of all things electronic and Lego inspired
• a fast talker
• a negotiator
• a giver of hugs and kisses at unexpected times

We celebrated his birthday at High Tide Restaurant. It was wonderful to have Grammie and Granpa and Grampy join us. We feasted on clams, haddock, onion rings, and coleslaw. Before we left for the restaurant he insisted we open some presents at home first. He was totally surprised with his HP Palmtop computer, just like Dad's.