Claire's Birthday Trip

Claire turned 7 in April (still last month ... I'm only a month behind).  I talked her into a day trip to Atlanta to shop at the American Girl Doll store in lieu of a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. 

 

{FYI ... After 8 hours driving by myself in one day, I was kind of wishing we were at Chuck E. Cheese.}

 

At the last minute (like on Monday night when we went on a Wednesday), I decided to make Claire and her doll matching dresses to wear on her birthday trip.  Claire's dress became a top because I didn't have enough fabric for a dress.  Fortunately, I had a cute pair of MJ pants that matched perfectly.  I always hate that it takes me just as long to sew the doll dress as it does the big girl dress.  She was really excited and it turned out cute.

 

 

We headed out early and made it to Atlanta just in time to eat lunch at Moe's Southwest Grill ... Claire's all-time favorite restaurant.

 

Then, it was time to shop.  Little Claire and all the other AG dolls racked up!  And this is the time I think ... maybe the birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese would have been cheaper.

 

We love Molly and Emily (Claire has both of these dolls).

 

She was so excited to see Saige!  We had just finished reading her book before we went.

 

Look!  It's little Claire!

 

We opted to do the afternoon tea at the AG cafe.

 

Little Claire even got her own cup of tea.

 

And Claire got a Happy Birthday cupcake.

 

 

Claire and I.

 

Drink up little Claire.  We've got to hit the road!

 

What a fun day with my girl!

Happy Birthday to me!

I celebrated a birthday back in March.  Number 36!

 

I took a quick picture of me with the kids that morning before they all headed off to school.  I had to use the tripod because Will was already gone by the time everyone was up and ready.  Fortunately, everyone cooperated.  Happy Birthday to me!

 

I got several real live birthday cards in the mail.  And lots of birthday texts and Facebook birthday wishes.

 

 

Will's parents were in town and kept the kids in their hotel room with them.  Will and I grabbed a quick happy hour drink, did some birthday clothes shopping at lululemon and then ate dinner at a fun little local place.

 

We had fried avocado for an appetizer.  It was yummy!

 

Will had fish and grits and I had shrimp and grits for dinner.

 

A couples self-portrait.

 

 

Will's parent brought me this ginormous Italian Cream Cake from a restaurant where they live in Alabama.  It was yummy!  And now I need to start running again!

 

Fun birthday!  Another year older, another year wiser, right?

Will's 36th

Will turned 36 earlier this month.  We started out our celebration at our favorite burger joint.  The kids were not fans but Will and I enjoyed the meal very much.

 

 

A better picture of Will and the kids at home.

 

 

Double-layer cookie cake from Sam's.

 

For some reason we didn't have a 7 candle, so I had to improvise.

 

Time to sing Happy Birthday!

 

And blow out the candle.

 

Time to open gifts.

 

A favorite Christmas treat.

 

 

And a new golf shirt.

 

 

Cute kids excited about Daddy's birthday (and eating cookie cake).

 

 

 

Happy Birthday to the best hubby and daddy ever!!

Turning 2 with the Chuck!

I know I've already written about Luke turning 2 twice already.  Go here and here.

 

But, on his actual birthday, we took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner and games to celebrate.  I got some cute pictures so I just had to share for the grandparents' sakes.

 

This boy loves him some lemonade or "ade" as he calls it.

 

Trying to escape a picture with Daddy.

 

He loved the mini-basketball shoot.

 

Not lovin' a picture with Mommy either!

 

 

Bowling with Daddy.

 

More fun & games!

 

 

Fun on the carousel!

 

A rare moment with everyone together.

 

This pretty much sums up our evening!!