Matt’s Despicable Birthday Party

Matt really wanted a “Minion” birthday this year and it was FUN!!

We started by giving the kids their own minion costume.

(By the way—the TOTAL cost of all THREE costumes was $3.00 thanks to mom sewing the aprons from some old fabric that I had, and my dad donating the shirts).

(Andrew and I dressed up too).

Next, we had a little lunch.

(Peanut butter and Gru’s Jelly Sandwiches, minion jell-o, baples and bananas, and cookies from the stolen pyramid).

Next, we played a few games.

Yellow minion, yellow minion, PURPLE minion.  
(Our version of duck, duck, goose).

Pin the eye on the minion.

And shoot the evil minion with the jelly gun antidote.

(I think this was their favorite part).

Matt opened presents, they ate minion cupcakes, then “watched” the minion shorts—but really they just played.

The cute minion cupcakes!! (Which were banana flavor per request of the birthday boy).

And a big shout out to my sister, Heather, for making the minion eyes--they turned out great!!

It was a really fun party, and I can’t believe that Matt is going to be FIVE on Sunday!

Happy Birthday Matthew!!

Lindsay’s BIRTHday!

The day after Lindsay’s party was her actual birthday.  I still wanted her to have a special day—even if it wasn’t her party day.

When she woke up I told her she could have ANY breakfast she wanted.
She said she wanted cereal.
I suggested pancakes, waffles, or crepes.
She said cereal.

After breakfast I told her she could do ANYTHING she wanted.  She wanted to visit Grandpa Welling and cousins.  So we did.

For lunch I told her we could go to a restraint or make anything she wanted.
She chose quesadillas.

For dinner I said the same thing—and suggested we order a pizza.  

She chose spinach and okra.

Then, we ended the night with watching an episode of curious George.

A really simple day, but it was everything she wanted!

And we did dig into her cake!

Lindsay's Ballerina Birthday Party

Lindsay had her ballerina birthday party today.

I usually don't like to toot my own horn, but...

TOOT!!

I think this may be my favorite party I've ever done!

And, I did the whole party (food, decorations, and tutus), for $12!!  Woo hoo!!

Lindsay wanted a ballerina birthday this year.

She had two of her cousins, Grace and Eliza, come to the party.

And my mom was so gracious to let us do it at her house!  Thanks mom!

We had a little lunch, a few games, opened presents, 

and then we ended with having two DARLING ballerinas come teach the girls some ballet.  

(My cute niece Becca and her cute friend, Camille).

I thought the party turned out great, and Lindsay did too!

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

The cake I made.  Lindsay saw one similar to this that she liked, and I attempted to recreate it.

For lunch we had wraps, fruit, yogurt, salad, pink lemonade, and cupcakes.

I found these cute boxes for 4 cents each!  STEAL!!

I made the girls these matching tutus, I thought they turned out cute!

Playing duck, duck, goose--they didn't quite get the concept, but it was cute.

Playing "Ballerina Says."

Opening gifts!

And our ballet lesson from our special guests!!

Showing the girls how to dance on POINT!!

Cute! Cute! CUTE!

I just realized I used "Cute" 8 times.  But I think it was deserved!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CUTE LINDSAY!!!

New Years Day

New Years Day morning we had our traditional 

"NEW YEAR PANCAKES."

After breakfast, I helped the kids make their own "Goal Charts."

I always love the new year and recommitting myself to be a little better!

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2014

Just a little New Year Photo shoot!

(Darin thinks they are too old to kiss....I think it's adorable).

NYE

Last night we had a little New Years Eve Party.

My parents came down for dinner, games, and a movie.

It was a simple night, but we had fun!