Thrilled. That's me.

Just a short report that we have joined the YMCA. It's our first time joining a gym and I'm so thrilled. I went this morning to take a tour-joined-came home and got myself and the kids ready-returned to the gym and did my FIRST SPIN CLASS while the kids were being watched by the child care folks. It was great! The pool will be open on weekdays starting next week, so we'll be able to swim after my workouts. Thrilled. That's right! Did I mention that I'm thrilled? Because I am.

Afton's Princess Party

Afton is now a three-year-old! I can't believe how fast these kids are growing up.

Afton loves Disney Princesses (just like almost every other little girl in the US), so we had a Princess party for her. It was so perfect. I couldn't be more pleased.

The armed guard! 

  

The cake.

The lanterns.

The royal sandwiches. 

(Look closely, they are little crowns, high heels, and castles.)

More food.

She's watching everyone sing to her.

The girls having their lunch at the royal table

Princess Afton talking with Princess Kristen (Belle's cousin)

 Princess Kristen singing beautifully to the mesmerized little girls.

 Love this!

We had so much fun watching all of the girls play together and we also put makeup on all of them. Even the mothers got a little glimmer on their eyes and cheeks!

Afton, you are such a sweet blessing to our family. We love you so much! We're so excited to watch you grow and to help you along the way. You are loved deeply by your Brudders, too. You are so full of passion and excitement. You are sure of what you want in every way. You are smart and funny. Lady Afton St. Claire, you are one magnificent little princess!!!

Gingerbread Baby/May Madness

On Saturday Ian performed with his class at the "Fest For All" downtown.

He was hiding in the bushes before it started, and we were a little nervous that he might protest and not perform at all, but when the show started, he kicked right into gear and did such a fantastic job! He was the dad. Above and below you can see his family. They are chasing the gingerbread baby below.

 When the show was over, the kids spent a good amount of time in the building blocks tent. Ian built an RV equipped with monkeys, bananas for the monkeys, AND humans to eat. 

 Here is Mr. GQ with his delicious reward for a job well done.

This was moments before he wiped out and spilled the whole thing all over the pavement.

 Afton had a pink one...

 Ayden had yellow. 

On Friday night we went to a cake auction and refrained from spending over $40 on an army cake.

Josh promised the boys that I would make one for them the next day, so I made an extra cake after making one for their Aunt Robin's 30th birthday. I need to find a picture of that. It was pretty awesome! Anyway, I used the left over icing for the boys' cake, told Ian to put some soldiers on it, and this is what he did. It looked so ridiculous, I had to grab the camera. What a nut! After we got all of the men off to eat it, the poor cake truly became and army cake because it looked like a battleground. 

We had such an exhausting weekend, but it was all so much fun. Saturday night, Robin and a friend of ours, Amy, both had a big 30th birthday bash Cinco De Mayo style with some exciting "Bunco" playing. I also ran 4 miles that morning, so Sunday was difficult to survive. This week is all about preparing for Afton's birthday party along with a field trip for the boys and a Father/Son campout. Here comes more May madness. If we can make it through this weekend, we'll have some quiet next week, which will be the last full week of school for the boys. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! SUMMERTIME IS HERE ALREADY!!???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean, yay. 

April Highlights

PIANO 

Ayden had his piano recital. 

He did a great job playing "Theme For New World Symphony" on the stage.

His piano teacher. She has been great with him. 

She likes his energy and says he has a natural talent. 

RUNNING

I was caught on camera during the Crescent City Classic, my 2nd 10K.

FESTIVALS

Afton riding a miniature horse (not a pony) at the Tiny Tiger Fest for Annie's daycare.

Please do not feed the crazy tigers!

We made it to the Strawberry Festival this year! Can you find Ian, Josh, and Afton?

The royalty,

and an unexpected bonus! 

My Aunt Videt and Uncle David were performing while we were there!!

Ayden danced and played on stage for at least 1 1/2 hours.

Afton joined in too, but not Ian. He would have nothing to do with it.

 MY BIRTHDAY!

This year I learned some history, because Louisiana's 200th birthday was on my 33rd.

We celebrated with boiled crawfish for lunch, then Josh cooked jambalaya and red beans for dinner.

Robin made a delicious strawberry cake and decorated swamp style. (See the tiny Tabasco bottles?) 

Me and the adult girls...why did we go with the lift? 

Poor Amy (in the bright blue) had most of my weight and Robin was groping my rear end.

Me with my hubs-who spoils me-and the boys.

The kid girls. The house was packed and LOUD. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday. 

Thanks to everyone for making it a memorable day for me! 

There's another post after this, so keep reading....

Easter Etc...

 Afton was able to hunt for eggs with Ian's class. The playground was packed full of older kids egg hunting, so Ian's class had theirs indoors.

 Ayden had a successful egg drop! He made a parachute with a spring loaded basket,

a shopping bag for the chute, and his dad's old sock stuffed with the egg and pillow guts, cushioned with balloons. SCORE!

 Ayden's class after their hunt.

 Great weather= lots of park time with friends!

Our church egg hunt/picnic-

 Josh sack raced against his fellow bishopric members 

(see one of them on the ground behind him getting laughed at!)

FYI:  Josh looks like a bunny on speed when he sack races and he always wins;)