A Belated Birthday Celebration

I am sure most of you know Gabrielle is a New Year's baby.
This year her birthday happened to fall during the period that we were mourning the passing of Travis's Dad. We did do a small family party for her with GG, Aunt Shari & Uncle Darren while in Springfield and another cake and gift opening with Mema and Papa when we returned back to Olathe. Gabrielle had really been looking forward to having a party with her girlfriends, so after much delay (nearly 7 months!!) we finally put a low key gathering together.
My motto for the year: Late is better than never
Friday we met at Debbie Howard's Gym with five of Gabrielle's friends.

They each had fun on the balance beam

Uneven bars (I love the death grip and look of fear on Gabi's face)

The 40 foot long trampoline

And the biggest hit - the foam pit located at the end of the trampoline

Gabi made several attempts to scale the rock climbing wall while Tatum and Chase were more adventurous and mastered the larger than life "spider web" contraption then jumped some estimated fifteen feet to the mat below!! They each did this a handful or more times BEFORE we learned that it was against the gym rules. OOPS!

We took a short break for cupcakes, juice and gift opening.
Gabrielle was blessed with such great gifts - all of which she has already enjoyed and play with. These beautiful pajammies (as we call them at the Hicks household) topped the cake!! My friend Becky has a heart for gift giving. There is nothing ordinary about what she picks out. She puts so much thought behind each purchase. She surprised us just yesterday with a box of goodies for our road trip to Alabama later this week ... really who thinks of things like that??

She received two different Barbies - the Happy Birthday Barbie and Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty - to add to her collection.

Other items received included this adorable personalized thermos, some awesome faux vintage activity books, her very own crystal wind chime, a slip 'n slide (BIGGGG HIT), a new DVD, an accessory set to her Tinkerbell Toy & a hoola hoop (from her Mema).

I was so impressed by the gym facility as well as the generosity and level of professionalism displayed by the owner that I am really looking forward to our next visit there.

On a side bar ... is it bad that I am pining to enroll her in gymnastics now??
It may be time to find a PT job!!

Todays Tidbit

Attitudes are contagious.
Is yours worth catching?

I often hear myself saying:
I'm tired, I'm hungry, I'm hot, my back is in bad shape ... the list goes on.
So if I am projecting a negative attitude, then I shouldn't be surprised when my kids grumble similar complaints.
These words "Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?" closed out an e-mail forward I received today. I really am not a fan of e-mail forwards, but obviously this message was meant for me to view today.

Princess for a Day

I just realized I didn't post about a special birthday bash we attended.
Gabrielle's good friend Gracyn turned THREE recently and we celebrated with her and several other princesses in the park. What little girl (or big girl for that matter) doesn't love being a princess for the day?

Gabrielle, Bree, the birthday girl Gracyn, Brooke & Emery

The back lighting on this picture is terrible, but it is such a sweet picture of the girls.

A game of pin the tiarra on the princess anyone?
Gracyn's mommy sure knows how to put on a party fit for a princess and her royal court. She rolled out the pink carpet, bubbles, a game of musical plates, craft time making flower halos & most fun of all cake decorating! Once again the take home bag was a hit. Gabrielle couldn't wait to dive into her new princess materials.

A Party for Two

Saturday the 4th marked a very eventful day for our family. We started the morning off with our neighborhood's annual parade followed by popsicles in the park. Saturday afternoon we went across the street to the Jonson kids dual birthday party. Heather did the birthday party up right with lots of water play, craft activities, a treasure hunt, pinata & a ton of great food. She put so much thought into the kids take home bags. Both my kids love their new goods!

Gabi quickly developed a little crush on Heather's nephew Tyler.
They were inseparable the entire afternoon. No lie!!
We couldn't get the two of them to come in for the gift opening.

Our entire day was filled with lots of smiles and laughter.
It never ceases to amaze me the level of energy a child exerts in one days time.
My two went strong from morning until late into the night.


I am now on the look out for a slip and slide of our own.
If anyone happens upon one at a garage sale or on Craigslist please give me a shout.
I don't know who had more fun.
Gabrielle, or Travis and I watching her.
We are destined to spend many more a day with the Jonson's this summer.
More posts to come soon.
I am behind in my photo documentation.

Fireworks Fun Night #1

Thursday night we attended the 4th annual Falcon Ridge Independence Day Celebration with our neighbors and friends the Bevers. It was perfect weather for the event. They had two large bounce houses for the kids (which were short lived after our arrival) and plenty of food and beverage choices for the adults.

The kids were amazing. They shared snacks, played so well together and sat with full attention during the fireworks display.


I snapped a couple of pictures during the fireworks. I love the expression on Gabrielle's face in the top photo and how everyone was so intent on what was happening in the skies above. Dawson is wearing his drink, which is the norm for him!! He is sooooo independent.

And this is what our night was all about!
Good friends, good times, good display!