Next up, December Birthday's

It happened more than a month ago, but it still happened--Michael is 40 (he could care less, I hate how matter of fact he is---sheesh a little freaking out is good for you) and Carter Michael Tough Ninja is 6 years old. I only gave the boy who was excited about his birthday a party. He wanted an army theme and he got it. Marshmallow guns indoors, obstacle courses, boot camp drills and instantly broken camo dog tags, and helmets.  It was loud and fabulous.  I love people jumping to attention when I bark orders at them--I need to do more of that --"-Mom, Yes, Mom" sounds good to me.

I think Michael thought if he acted goofy and wouldn't give me a decent smile on his birthday that I would give up and not post a picture of him---that's what he gets for thinking, and not smiling normally.

Army Cake for Private first class Carter.

                                                Tug of War--part of the obstacle course.

Injured soldier game.

Rations for all good soldiers.

                                                                    Shooting Range

The soldiers met in my classroom at Red Rock then quick marched over to Private Carters House.

First up Phoenix....

I realize I am WAY behind, but I am determined to catch this blog up. So to where to begin---how about a trip to Phoenix for just me and my Mr. You got it---sunshine and husband time. My cousin Shannon picked us up at the airport and became our personal chauffeur and tour guide for the next four days. I highly recommend her---she is very entertaining. I knew I was going to re-live the glory days with Shannon, when on the drive to her house from the airport we approached a tunnel and she announced she always pretends that when she goes through this tunnel she will come out the other side and be in New York!! That is soooo Shannon, classic Shannon, if randomness can be called classic! We went to the "Rockettes Christmas Show" the first night we were there. We giggled at the Arizonaites dressed in their boots, scarfs, hats and coats---it was 71 degrees outside! Michael was in shorts and we both had short sleeved shirts on--we felt so hardy and tough. We met up with our friends Steve and Shelley a couple of times and that was great too---except she was 8 months pregnant and still thinner than me. But she is a good enough friend that I will forgive her for her thinness--I'm kind like that. I also got to have lunch with my cousin Heidi once and it was fun. It made me miss my Grandparents , I guess having both Shannon and Heidi together, made it seem like the rest of the family should be there too. Our last day there we toured the Frank Lloyd Wright house and museum, very cool. My rectangular home didn't bust any architects brains, that's for sure! We had a great time seeing family and friends that we don't see enough of. Plus none of the kids woke us up in the middle night once! I am pretty sure Grandma Beve can't claim the same from her "vacation" which was to snowy Royal City to take care of our kiddos for us. Thanks so much Grandma Beve---it is so nice to go away together and know the kids are not only happy but thrilled to have us gone!

The Rockettes had some pretty cool sets and I'll admit it--great legs too!

The Gingerbread house I made as a Thank you for my Cousin Shannon's awesome tour guide duty.  Some people might think they saw it at the swanky Camel Back Inn in Phoenix but, it was me.  I remembered I had a camera when I saw this cool gingerbread house, but did I remember it 30 seconds later when I had a long fun lunch,  with Shannon, Heidi, and Shelley? (the answer is no)

Michael, Shannon and Brian on the Frank Lloyd Wright tour.

Franks pool--I remember something about geometric shapes, dang I hate being old.

Frank Lloyd Wrights Arizona home.