Let Her Eat Cake

As birthday month continued, Millie got her fill of cake at various events.

It was chilly but fun when we rode the carousel at Como for Coco's birthday.

After Coco, it was Zach's turn. I didn't take any pictures at his party, but his mom took some fun shots at Choo Choo Bob's.

We decided to make Millie's birthday fairly low-key. Tony took the day off and we did whatever she wanted, which included Como Town, the zoo, mini-golf, the play ground, Snuffy's, and cake with the neighbors.

First, gift opening in the morning (which explains the nakedness, sort of.) 

Then off to Como Town, where we got a season membership. Millie was a bit apprehensive about the first ride. I would be too, check out Aladin's creepy smile. 

I think we have this same picture from every year, except this time, she is riding solo. Yippy!

Photo by Millie. 

Mini golf at 80 mph winds takes on a whole new degree of difficulty, but is no less fun. 

Next, it was all about Eve. For her party, Eve requested that Millie and Lillian join her for a swim party. So swimming we went, at a little indoor water park close to home. Then we hit the park for a delicious picnic lunch and some Dora cupcakes.

Little brother Graham.

Gorgeous day at the park. Aren't spring birthdays the best? I wouldn't know. 

Nothing says "Happy Birthday" like disembodied monkey heads.  

While I was in New York for a long weekend, Tony and Millie got to go to a pirate birthday party for Ian, who turned 3. They had a great time, with a treasure hunt, gold coins, swords, and "even a pinata!" 

Precious gold doubloons. 

Dana took his role as head pirate very seriously. 

Last but not least, it was Tony's birthday today. Here is his surprise cake, which Millie kept a secret, believe it or not. It's an Oreo ice cream cake. It was divine, if I may say so myself. 

The smiley face was Millie's creation. Now I know what I'm making for Halloween. 

That's it people, no more cake!

Birthday Season

Starting with Coco's birthday two weeks ago, we are now officially emersed in birthday season. We were thrilled to celebrate David's big 5 with him on Saturday, in a themed castle party. Costumes, castle cake, swords, shields, even fire spewing flying dragons, what more can a boy want?

The food was delish, the company delightful (always great to see you Mary!) and Millie cherished the opportunity to wear her pink flower girl dress and carry a wand, of course. David, you were the loveliest knight ever.

David is sooooo excited about  his party.

Ring pops and their disturbing aftermath. 

David is also really excited about his castle cake. And life. 

Happy birthday David! Next up, Zach. 

Happy Mother's Day

Baby Farm Animals

Supposedly, Spring is here, and with it, the birth of a variety of edible...I mean, adorable animals such as piglets, calfs, and teeny tiny chicks. This week we headed off to the Minnesota Zoo to view, pet, and feed the babes. It was a lovely day, so we also got to have a picnic and play in the impressive outdoor play areas at the zoo. It was a great outing, complete with a monorail ride, of course. We were with Zach, after all!

Easter Egg Hunt

The sun finally came out in time for Easter. We had a lovely brunch at my sister-in-law's, where Millie got to participate in her second hunt of the weekend. Since it was just her and her cousin Julia, their buckets did in fact runneth over.

No, she is not saluting. The sun is in her eyes, my precious little Minnesotan.

And...go!

Hmmm. If I were a giant egg laying bunny, where would I hide them? 

Naturally, as close to the street as possible. 

Show us the take matey. 

"I'm done hunting!" 

Oh wait, did you say there was money in these things? 

Mini and Millie- together again

This week we are dog sitting and we couldn't be more excited. This is Mini, whom Millie always refers to as "my dog," even though we get to watch her once a year. We don't know what breed Mini is, but Tony calls her Monkey Dog, and I just think she is adorable.

Back to life, back to reality

After an amazing nine days in Scottsdale, Arizona, we are back just in time for spring. Today we pulled out the deck furniture and enjoyed a lovely, sunny afternoon outside. It was not the ultra dry 87 degrees we had gotten spoiled with this past week, but it was good enough for a cheerful welcome home.

So happy to be in the sun with Grandma and Grandpa.

In Arizona for an hour, time to swim!

Yep, this is the outfit she chose for an outing to Old Town. Note the socks. They're Care Bear. 

Old Town, 2011

Old Town, 2010

In Love

Get it? We were in Love

Splish splash

Prickly Pear ice cream at Queen Creek Olive Mill. The mill was great, the ice cream was kinda gross. 

Last day, climbing Camelback Moutain, at least to the first photo op.