The Great Surprise

Monday was Jer's birthday and boy I got him good.  After a morning of basketball, followed by a looong breakfast, he finally decided to open presents.  Golf balls from the kids. Clothes from me (which he sort of despises). Oh and there was one more small gift.... 

 His reaction wasn't exactly what I expected when he opened up the gift that told him I was taking him that night on a mini stay-cation.  Seems he was so surprised, he was speechless and facial expressionless.  Luckily the synapses finally connected and the excitement kicked in. We packed our bags and were on our way to meet the Mumfords.

 We met up with these guys on the 51 (our timing is so awesome) and we headed to Camelback Mountain.  Here at the bottom, we laughed in the face of the "strenuous" description of this hike. 

 By the time we got to the top, we were begging for mercy.

 The wet and sweaty birthday boys

 Can you find Jon and Riley? This is what the entire hike was like.

 Some 2+hours later, we made it to the bottom. That was the most difficult hike most of us had ever done.

It was so fun though, and so great to be able to say we did it!

 We got all cleaned up and set out to whet our appetites at Wildfish. 

Fancy food is not my favorite, but this stuff was pretty darn good (minus Riley's sauce).

 Jer's first Chilean Sea Bass.

This mini-vaca was full of memories including, but not limited to: last minute soccer scrap, Jon wearing his swim trunks on the hike, the little blue house that saved this germaphobe,  make-out points along the trail, Mrs. Pittsburgh Popularity, Jer's re-injured wrist, sticky, slimy, germ-free handrails and trail mix that followed, the overly helpful hotel staff, spiked dc, hot tub heaven, Jamie's perfect birthday cakes, butterscotch delights, sailor talk in the Fashion Square parking lot, and best of all vacationing with friends who roll the way you do!

Jer you are the most amazing husband, father and friend, I'm so lucky to have you!

Next time it will be even better becuase I'll put it on your schedule:)

Happy Birthday Babe!

Oh and if you're wondering how the kids did while we were gone.....


Let's just say they were in excellent hands. Thanks Jamie!

Christmas Day 2010

 Oh there were smiles a plenty this fabulous morning, thanks to family, friends and of course Santa!

 Those cheeks just might be the reason I still think he's a baby. I hope he keeps them forever.

So kissable.

 Grandma and Grandpa Great's traditional $2 bill.

 Playing with the goods....

 Hitting the movies and laughing our guts out through Gulliver's Travels.

We met up with the Stanley's too and Drew's prediction came true:)

 Then over to the McGee's for Christmas Dinner. So fancy and fun.

 And it was heavenly. I think we had enough food to feed the whole town.

 The Mackenzies are so nice, it was fun to hang out with them too!

 They have the cool wii dance game and the kids rocked it all night.

 Then Lisa and I took FAME to a whole new level. She kicked my tail. It was a workout for me.

 Then we talked some trash to Todd and Jer and they could sit no longer.

 Jer's reaction when he learned that all the pics I took of him and Todd dancing turned out blurry.

 Jake and Bree sang their hearts out as Troy and Gabriella in HSM.  They were SO cute.

 The more mature version of Troy and Gabriella workin it out to Fun in the Sun From HSM2. 

These two could go on tour.

Thanks Todd and Lisa for an incredibly fun night and the perfect ending to Chrismas day!

 Back at home, the vet is FINALLY charged!

Just had to post this last one of all the people I love the most.

This fabulous Yahtzee game, made by my very talented and creative SIL, Ashley, might just be the most impressive gift of the year. We played this morning and Breanna creamed us with a double Yahtzee.

So fun. And just might be the cutest idea ever.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

The Eve of all Eves

The night we've all been waiting for finally came and it lived up to every expectation.

Exquisite food, great games, perfect presents, fabulous fireworks and bucket loads of fun.

Those Heaps know how to do Christmas Eve!

After dinner B-I-N-G-O!

Jamie's giving her boys some pointers.

Paiger's checking to see if he's called N32 yet.

Presents for all those who got BINGO (after the official caller Matt verified your BINGO was legit).

And there were even presents for those of us who didn't end up being legit.

There were lots of winners....

Love the looks on these boys faces. This was pretty exciting stuff.

Waiting for the works.

And look how perfect they all are.

Not one of em takin a chance on naughty this late in the game.

 Jer exclaimed his arms were gonna fall off after the 3rd attempt at this pic.

 Hitting the weights after early morning basketball... possible New Year's resolution.

From Pepsi to onionless potatoes to car fresheners to earrings,

Jamie, you thought of everything and it was magnifico!

Thanks Heapsters for a most memorable Christmas Eve!

Back at home we cozied up to a few of our own Christmas Eve traditions...

Luke 2

PJ's

Stories

Jaybez Dawz

Milk and Cookies

Late Night Movie for Mom and Dad

Off to spy to see if reindeer really know how to fly.