New Years Eve 2010

First item of biz, the real reason we all came together to celebrate...Jon's Birthday!

Kids getting things started with Just Dance2.

The Birthday Boy was being funny man and making it impossible for Bree to take this pic...but she out-foxed him alright and got 2 good ones (the other one ended up at the bottom of the post for some reason).

The moment the kids were all waiting for...out into the frozen tundra we go!

It was quite the fireworks show.  But some opted for a warmer seat....

Pretty smart that B-day boy. But if he was really smart, he would have locked the doors....

Do I see one in shorts and one with no shoes on? Where are their parents? (oh yeah, in the warm van:).

Counting it down....

Getting the bubbly ready, but having to use those scouting skillz cuz we forgot the bottle opener!

Cheers!

Jer just wanted me to mention for the record that it's only Sparkling Cider!

You know, I have to admit that this is my favorite way to spend New Year's Eve. Give me a party at home with family and friends and there's nowhere I'd rather be.  Throw in a few games and yummy food and I might lock the doors and not let anyone leave. (I was seriously sad when midnight came and everyone started packing up to go).  Some favorites of the night were Brittany Hayes, Tik Tok repeated a million times, horns that should have been kept hidden, Chad's New Year's resolutions, Jon's hot van move then him getting forced out by little people, controversial fireworks, Amber lighting up to light the fireworks, every single kid (and adult) making it to midnight, and Jer's big smile when everyone left and he casually notified me that he won every game. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

and Happy Birthday Jon!

Visitors!

Grandma and Grandpa Smith came for a visit and the weather was so nice, we went to the park.

The next day, it snowed! Just that morning, Jake was begging to be taken to the snow and instead the snow came to him. Most of it had melted by the time we got the camera out, but this was a TON of snow for us!

Luke took his first snowball to the back, courtesy of Jake.

Grandma helped Breezy sew her present from Ryan and Ashley.

While the guys napped!

Then it snowed AGAIN!

We watched lots of movies, did some shopping, played games and had a ball...and best of all, I did not have to cook once (thanks Jer and Gma)! Thanks for a great visit!

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!