March 2010

Today was WaWa's 5th, biggest, and (we fear) last birthday party.

Drew's little blue stuffed elephant turned five years old, and of course we had to throw her a party complete with real invitations, a cake that is nicer than most kids cakes, and it was all a lot of fun.

All of Drew's friends brought their own special stuffed friends to share in the festivities.

Drew was super excited about the whole thing, and he has been planning it for weeks.

He created WaWa signs and hung them up all around the house, including directional signs that would lead all the guests to where WaWa was hiding (up in Daddy's office closet).

We can see the importance of WaWa waning, and while we are happy to see our boy grow up, we will surely miss WaWa and that little boy who loves her so very much.

Drew creating all the signs for the party

WaWa enjoying her party with all her friends

Tracy helping the kids introduce their special stuffed friends

WaWa opening her presents

Drew created a special picture for WaWa

WaWa blowing out her candles, helped by Andrew

We have had a busy couple of days this week.

This is the time of year for the annual MOPS consignment sale. What made this year even busier is that MOPS is using some software that Jamie created to run the sale, so the whole family was involved.

The kids were excited to have some extra time with Nona and Papa, but they got to "enjoy" some extended time at the sale too.

We made it through and raised some money for MOPS at the same time.

The kids were only kept busy by the portable DVD player for so long

Tracy is working hard

Jamie's consignment sale system

Drew and "Young Little Lamby"
(a consignment sale find)

Tonight we captured a few pictures of a typical evening in the Deba house.

Brie and Daddy
(the picture doesn't show how she was actually jumping on Daddy and he was catching her before certain doom)

Lexi and her Mommy

Drew showing his picture smile, and his need for a haircut

It was warm enough today to spend some time out at Rough and Ready Park.

The kids always like their times at the park.

Brie is a natural-born swing fanatic

Lexi having fun on the swings

Andrew enjoying a good swing

Lexity on the play equipment

We decided to brave the elements and spend the night in a heated cabin in the middle of nowhere in Hermit Park, a few miles East of Estes Park.

Last year we visited our friends, the Williams Family, and this year we decided to get a cabin and spend the night.

We still were only willing to "risk" one night, as the Williams stayed more.

We had lots of fun, and the most difficult part was navigating the dirt roads in the minivan. The snow was mostly clear, which made way for a lot of mud.

This will have to be an annual (or more) thing we do. We all had a great time.

Mommy and Lexi soon after arriving at our cabin.

Drew freezing in the snow after not listening to Daddy to stay off the hardened snow because you might fall into it.

Kids exploring the beds in the cabin

Brielle having a GREAT time

Toby enjoying a rest
(yes, we had a bowl of water for him...he just likes licking snow)

Drew rock climbing

Bird's eye view of the Williams' cabin

Mommy and Drew rock climbing
(really, this is Drew rock climbing and Mommy keeping guard)

Lexity having fun

Mmmm. Breakfast.

Roasting Marshmallows.

About to head home.
(We're all a lot more dirty than this picture shows.)

New cousins Natalie and Evan visited today with Auntie Sarah and Nona.

Brie happy to hold Natalie all by herself

Lexity playing with Evan

Somehow all three kids ended up piling on top of Daddy today.

Could this be a vision of future family football games?

Happy Birthday Jen.

Great Times in the Deba House