All aboard...

Earlier in the month we had the opportunity to dine on the Freemont train for a murder mystery production.  We have been blessed with so many wonderful opportunites for our family given to us by the Center for Blind Children.  Since Zachary qualifies for services, the whole family is invited to special events.    And, this time it was the Freemont Dinner Train.   What a fun night.  The kids were enthralled in the murder mystery.  They pondered each and every clue.  The characters mingled among the guests while introducing new and different clues about the mystery.  I have read enough mystery novels to think that this would be a piece of cake to solve.  I was wrong.  We had to have the mystery all but spelled out for us in the end.  I guess I wouldn't make a very good detective afterall.

We sure had a fun time.  We ended the evening VERY late and checked into a local hotel to snooze the night away.

I'm sure this doesn't surprise you

For Zachary's birthday party, he chose to skip the party and instead go to Mahagony with mom and dad.  This was just fine with me.  How could I resist an evening of fine dining with my two favorite boys.  Expensive, sure.  But memorable, no doubt.  I'm sure Zachary is the only 11 year old you know that would forgo a party with friends and presents in lieu of a fancy restaurant with his parents. But, this is what makes Zachary so unique and makes me want ot hold him in my arms forever!   Zachary is happiest basking in the glory and attention from his parents while enjoy fine cuisine.  Breya said it best, he is his fathers boy!

We had a splendid evening.  Jeff pulled the car up and chauffered us to the restaurant.  I presented my daper looking boy with a boutineer to complete his outfit and attitude.  Zachary was enthralled with the extra touches and attention to detail that make Mahagony (expensive) stand in a class by itself.  However, much to my dismay he was most impressed wtih the "hot" girls at the restaurant.  He devored the appetizer, lobster cargot.  He loved his dinner, filet migon.  He was stufted for dessert, 7 layer chocolate cake.   We had a birthday celebration fit for a king,  exactly as Zachary would want it.

It's birthday season around here

As soon as we arrived home from our vacation we were faced with 3 birthdays during the first week.  Dianne and Newell flew out for a joint celebration.  We are so happy to share this time with them. 

Last weekend, we had Ellie's friend party.  She was unsure of what type of party she wanted until 3 days before the actual party day.  To be fair to her...we were not sure when we could have a party either until the 3 days prior.  Our weeks were jammed packed with responsibilities and  it looked impossible to find time,  but, it just so happens that we had a free friday night pop up.  So, we jumped on it and quickly planned a party.  I had a hard time giving up control of the details.  The ideas, planning, invations, and all the details were organized by Ellie alone.  I was impressed with her planning. And, her invitations.  Only after I recovered from the shock that she did not want to use the invites I made her.  It is her party afterall.  And, she is growing up.  "Let it go" is exactly how Jeff put it.  So, I did.  And, she planned an outstanding "Salon style pampering" party.   

The girls did makeovers, opened presents, went to dinner, changed into jammies, did facials and nails, watched a movie, snacks and cake,  parents picked up the girls at 11:00.   A true "late-over."

     (Girls giving each other facials with a skin care mask.)

All in all it was a great night.  I think all the girls had fun.  I know the birthday girl had a ball.  Thanks to all. 

Ellie has a twin,  you know...his birthday scoop comin soon.

Look Ma, No teeth

Within the span of 3 months Avery has lost all four of her front teeth.  Her excitement didn't fade from the first to the fourth.  She loves having loose teeth and loves to talk of the tooth fairy.  However, she's not to eager to leave her tooth under the pillow.  Sometimes she wants to keep her teeth instead of passing it on to the fairy, and then some nights she plain forgets.  But, when it all works out she is happy as a clam to find the hidden dollars in the morning. 

  More than the toothfairy OR the money I think her joy came from being among the group of kindergarteners who had lost a tooth.  Each morning Mrs. Devoe would ask "who lost a tooth overnight."  she would then track and count the numbers of  missing teeth in her claass.  This is a big deal to 6 year olds.  Everyone wants to make a tally mark.   For many months Avery sat still desperately hoping for a loose tooth.  Finally it was her time.  Which made her turn to make a tally mark all the more sweet. 

As happy as Avery is, I can't help but miss her baby teeth.   Or maybe it's the baby Avery that I miss as she is growing up right before my eyes. 

Happy Spring!

Spring makes me happy.  I love the vibrant blue eggs of a robin.  Each spring since we have lived in Omaha we have had the pleasure to watch a robin hatch her babies.

But, never before have we had such a front row seat to the show.  This little Robin didn't pick a very safe
spot on the tree.  The very bottom branch is where she built her nest.  We are very careful when we look at the nest.  When mama bird goes to get the babies a worm, we sneek a peak.  Last night Mama hovered over us with a worm in her mouth.  All the while watching and chirping loudly to let us know she is protecing her babies.  We are aware and happy to see her.  

Mr. and Mrs. Williams

It was a storybook wedding.

The bride was beautiful.
The groom was in love.

The chapel was charming.

The girls were precious, angelic even.

I wish I had pictures of the girls actually walking down the aisle. They each had such a big pretty smile plastered on their face.  They were calm, just a bit nervous but happy as they took the lead in welcoming the bride in.  Boy, do they ever love their new Aunt! 

Ellie and Lily anxiously awaiting their walk down the aisle as junior bridesmaides

Zachary was very sincere in his efforts as ring bearer.  He felt honored to have been given the duty and wanted to make his Uncle proud.  Carefully walking down the aisle, stepping up on the little step, and gently handing over the ring when it was time.  Uncle Rob gave him a not so subtle "high five" during the ceremony.  He did a splendid job and made us all proud.

  One happy set of parents.  Mother and Father of the groom.

Perfectly fit  flowers for the girls.  Simple elegance.

Avery was in the wedding party as well.  She just chose not to walk down the aisle.

After the ceremony, we enjoyed our afternoon relaxing  by the water.   What a way to gear up for the evening festivities of dancing and celebrating with one another. 

Let the dancing begin...  The girls were the first ones on the dance floor.  Lovin' every minute of it.  Zachary was soon discovered to be the dancing machine.  He danced the night away...with several ladies. (wish I had a pic of him)

The night was magical. Ocean breeze in the air, fireworks in the sky and friends joined together. The whole family had a wonderful time celebrating this occassion.  Happy to be together. 

Thanks Robby and Kat for sharing it with us.

St Barts

As we move on to St. Barts we soon discovered that beauty surronds in French Westo Indies.  Man, oh man is it ever gorgeous.  Truely Picturesque. 

This extra large and beastly looking creature greeted us to The Hotel Gurananni by sunbathing on our patio.  Jeff was captivated and fed it pepperoni and granola bars.  I call him the wedding mascot.

This is where we spent most of our time.  Can you stand it?  I agree with Lily (age 9) when she said, "I could get very used to this lifestyle. 

Pre-wedding happy couple. No jitters for them,

but they were very busy.  Lots of last minute details that come with a dreamy destination wedding. 

They handled the stress very well.  Only a few more days... till this.

No stress for us however!  We were whisked off on a private 50 foot yacht.  A-ma-zinggggg.  Stinkin' amazing.  I loved every minute of our 4 hour day trip.  We sailed around the island, stopped to snorkle and saw the most beautiful and completely private beaches, only accessible via boat.  Where were the children you ask?  Gigi and Papa kindly volunteered to watch all of them for us.  Yes, I was worried it would take a toll on my parents, but that big calming blue ocean setttled my nerves and I enjoyed our ride. 

Here is where we stopped to snorkle.  Jeff and Chrissy saw a shark.  Long and skinny one.  I saw nothing.

Robby's boss Johnathon, and girlfriend.  Mark and Chrissy, me and a friend of Robs.  Jeff is taking the pic.

It was Regatta Weekend.  We had the pleasure of watching these incrediable sailboats all day.

Friday evening was the rehearsal dinner at the Wall House Restaurant in town.  It was delightful.  Perfectly set for a night of entertainment.
 Kat and Rob strung pics of all the guests around the room.  I loved it. Looked so personal with a touch of flair. 
 

Robby and Kat express their gratitude to their guests.  Really, it is our pleasure.
 

Ellie and Lily ordering juice to their hearts content.


Stay tuned for the wedding.  I will get the next post up tomorrow!  I need to speed up the pace with posting.  Getting more and more behind on   family "back to reality" posts as well.