Three

Happy Birthday, my sweet girl.

So Much Excitement

"Tomorrow's my birthday party!  Party!  Cake!  Party!"

"Wow, sis...you really need to chill out..."

Massive Photo Dump

I know, I know, I'm a total slacker.  But tomorrow is Ellie's third birthday party (say WHAT?!?!) and I'm sure I'll take tons of pictures, so I figured I better post some stuff from the last couple of weeks before it's hopelessly out of date.

The Coburns came to town!  And the boys (rather ill advisedly) tried to pull down the Tree Branch of Doom that had been dangling over our back yard.  It didn't work.  But it was highly amusing.

And David learned all about tiaras and high heels.  You go, boy!

This is what happens lately when Ellie sees the camera.  Oy.

This tent and tunnel was the best $15 I ever spent.  The tent lasted approximately 6 hours, but the tunnel is still going strong.

Ellie liked the chili at Wendy's, so I made some at home.  Of course, she didn't approve.  And has taken to wearing my bike helmet pretty regularly.  It's always good to be prepared.

Hah!  So this is our friend, Michael, DANCING ON A TABLE, at a club following Uncle Sri and Uncle Jay's wedding.  It's the only picture I took the entire weekend, because I am lame, and was having far too good of a time.  Aunt Jan and Sienna very generously came to stay with the kids and Bri and I had a whole weekend in the city.  There was incredible Indian food, 80's dancing, a childless brunch, champagne while getting dressed, endless two-stepping with the groom's father, oh, and more brunch.  Side note about the 80's dancing:  while rocking out to Adam Ant I was nostalgic for all the 80's dancing we used to do at Club Toast in college.  Which made me realize, HELLO, that was 1993.  Only four years removed from the 80s.  When exactly did 80's music stop being the music the club just always played and become exiled to Tuesday night?  What did they play the other six nights?  Are clubs holding 2000's nights now and I'm just too old and withered to know about it?  Oh my god.  We are so old.  Anyhow, end side note.  The wedding was AMAZING and we are so thrilled for Ellie's godfather and his awesome husband.

This is what the kids were up to while we were gone.  They are too ridiculous.

Train!

Oh geez...This happened.  Aunt Bess and I ran a half marathon!  And I actually finished!  Honestly, I was disappointed in my time (my knee decided this whole thing was a bad idea around mile three) but I wasn't at all disappointed with the football, beer, and chili at Todd and Bess' house after.  Totally worth it.  You know, once I could walk again.

And finally, this picture just cracks me up.  Don't they look like little street urchins?  Grandma says we obviously have a gin mill in the bathtub.

Okay, now here's praying the promised "Frankenstorm" doesn't ruin E's birthday party and Halloween.  Oh my god.  We'd have to eat so much candy.

Obligatory Pumpkin Patch Photos

It's fall.  And everyone knows that if you fail to hit the local pumpkin patch Child Services comes knocking on your door by first frost.  And we don't want that...(or do we?  a childfree vacation? could we coordinate this with a cruise to the Bahamas?  let's investigate.)

Anyhow, I tried to take good pictures, but Ellie was cranky from lack of nap, and Gabe had an allergic reaction to split pea soup at lunch (UGH.  I HATE ALLERGIES.  THIS MAKES ME BEYOND CRANKY.) so he was super low energy.  I swear they had a good time, but it's tough to tell in these photos.  Anyhow, there's a scarecrow making party in the park next Saturday, so we'll try again with the fall-themed fun.

"No splash?  Really, mom?"

This picture makes the hayride look dangerous and terrifying...straight out of Willy Wonka.

Elle didn't really seem to get why we were there.  We'll do a jack o'lantern soon...

Staking his claim...

Okay, so Leila, Gabe, and Ellie are all making faces.  But look at Jonah!  That kid is too much.

Uncle Mike, Jonah, and Leila.