Catching Up & Lots of Pics

OK, so these pictures were uploaded out of chronological order because I wasn't thinking when I was adding them. So we're going a bit backwards in this post. Well the little man, aka Eriks turned 4 years old on Monday. We had his birthday party the day before at a local gymnastics place that hosts birthday parties on the weekends. Including the birthday boy there were 10 kids running all over the place. But they had a blast. They could use anything they wanted to so they jumped on trampolines, into the pit that has foam bricks, balance beams. Lane, his sister, Marla and I even got use out of it. Lane was in the pit with Eriks part of the time. Marla and I jumped on the trampoline. Man I forgot how much of a workout you can actually get out of jumping on one. I told Lane we have to go out and buy one.

Eriks had a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse birthday party. That's one thing he's really into right now. We bought his cake at Sam's Club. I have to say that Sam's Club makes some of the best cakes around. They are delish!





This is a photo of Eriks opening up his birthday parents from us and a few others that sent him presents in the mail on his birthday. He received a V-Smile learning system and really enjoys it.

Below is a photo of an ornament that I own. Well, actually I own 2 of them and that's why I'm showing off the photo here. It is a Hallmark ornament. Since it is Christmas and because I am in the giving mood right now, I am giving away my never used duplicate. I was just going to say the blogger buddy who emails me first will get it shipped to them. However, I decided that I had to make somewhat of a fun game out of it. So here's the question: My BIL & SIL celebrate their wedding anniversary in December. The person who either guesses the date exactly or nearest will get the ornament. If there is a tie or several people come close I will ask another question for the tiebreaker and the person that comes the closest will win the ornament. If you can't read what is written on the ornament is says: Celebrate the child your heart always knew. This is an adoption ornament. Just post your guesses in the comments link.


Here's the photo that went out in our Christmas cards. Some of my readers and blog buds received cards. If you would like to be on my card list for next year, let me know via email. There are several other adoptive blogging buds that I would love to exchange cards with in the future.

I know you can't tell but in this pile, there are 50 of the almost 65-70 cards we sent out this year. That's the one thing about the Air Force. You move every 3 years and almost inevitably take friends with you from those locations. So far the majority of my AF friends have been from our 3 years in California and I am so grateful to have them in my life.


Eriks got to sit on Santa's lap at a Christmas party for one of the squadron's that Lane has worked with. The kids party was on Friday afternoon and Santa flew in via C-130J. They've done this now 3 years in a row and the same person has played Santa all the 3 years. This year was actually kind of funny because his son is now 18 months old. When they put him on his dad's lap last year, he was only about 6 months old and didn't even think twice about it. This year however was a whole different story. He cried and screamed as soon as mom put him in Santa's lap. Of course all the adults roared with laughter watching this poor kid struggle to get away. And then again after all the presents were handed out mom wanted to put him back on Santa's lap again to get a picture and the same thing happened again and again we all laughed.


Can you guess which gingerbread house was made by the 39 year old and the 4 year old??? Can you guess which one I made??? I have to say for Eriks first effort and only a small amount of help, he didn't do too bad. He wanted his to look a little like mommy's. This years gingerbread house for me turned out way better than it did last year. I guess I'm finally getting the knack. Last years wasn't horrible, just not as pretty. I'll see if I can find a photo to post.


Such a cutie posing with the houses!!! He found the hat in a closet that I was cleaning out and ran around with it on his head most of the day Saturday. The hat definitely suits him.