Courtney's cousin, Lauryn, turned 7 last week. Courtney went to the "luau" and had lots of fun! They started with a relay race, then tried to stomp out each other's balloons. After that they played pin the petal on the flower and of course, there was a pinata(the real reason Courtney loves parties). They had cake and ice cream and opened presents. It was a lot of fun for everyone. Thanks Shannon, for such a great party!
Our first Jazz game of the season ended up being a lot of fun. We love to go to the games and even have a jersey for Courtney. She had so much fun.
The really fun part was that the Jazz killed the Kings. We got to see some great steals, dunks, and just great ball. We can't wait to go to more. Brian, Dave's brother, came with us and brought a date, Amy. We're glad they came with us.
We went to Classic skating with some friends this summer and in case you didn't know, kids can now bring scooters and things, instead of just roller skating. Ever since then Courtney has adamantly wanted a scooter of her own. It was kind of sad. She was the only kid without one.
We decided that we shouldn't just buy her one, but that she should earn it. She worked so hard to get her scooter. The first day I introduced it to her, she wanted to do whatever she could to earn stickers. She cleaned three bathrooms, dusted, did laundry, and made beds. She really earned her money for it.
She kept with it and got a scooter much earlier than Dave had anticipated. She was so happy when she was able to pick it out and help Dave put it together. I guess the world really is a better place when you have a scooter.
Dave turned 32 on Wednesday! Courtney was very excited for his birthday. She asked me about 50 times if she could help him blow out his candles. She obviously loves to blow out candles. Then she was really excited to help him open his present. It was cookies, from his mom and dad, and she thought it was the best present ever.
We had a little cake for him while his family was here last weekend. 32 candles is almost too many to put on a small cake. Dave doesn't usually get to be with his family on his birthday, so it was fun to have them here.
On his actual birthday, we made him breakfast and gave him his present from us. He is so hard to buy for but I never go wrong with giving him pictures of Courntey. We got him a picture and frame to bring to work with him. Then we got some balloons and brought them to his work. He had already gone to lunch with some of his co-workers, but they also had a cake there for him. We sang to him and had cake with the office.
Dave's family surprised him with a ping pong table for his birthday. The bigger surprise was that it came totally unassembled. It took over an hour for 5 of us to get it all put together but it was worth it. We played and had lots of fun. Dave almost has a complete game room(a dream of his). Now we just need to finish the basement.
Lastly, I have to say how much I love Dave. He is such a good husband and father. I feel grateful to be the lucky woman that he chose to spend eternity with. He works so hard for his family and never asks for anything in return. Happy Birthday, hon!
No October trip would be complete without takning the time to go to the pumpkin patch. The girls had lots of fun going through the corn maze and also picking out pumpkins. Courtney had to help the little girls. Of course they had to have tiny pumpkins because they are so little, or so Courtney said.
For those of you who aren't from around here, Barnyard Boo is a fun little Halloween activity for small children. We were lucky to have Dave's whole family(except his brother Dan, we missed you!) come for the weekend
Highlights of the trip were when they got to feed the ducks(those of you that are loyal readers know this is always a favorite) although they feed them corn instead of bread this time.
Another was getting balloons. Ali got a black cat that soon turned into just a long, black balloon. Courntey got a pink, princess wand. Also to mention, but not really a highlight, was the headless horsemen. Courtney got pretty scared to see him riding around on a huge white horse but with no head. I even thought is was totally creepy.
We were pleasantly surprised to have my brother, Brent, and his kids come for a visit. Friday night my two nieces spent the night with us and Courtney had so much fun! One is only five weeks older than Courtney and the other is five. They played babies all night and then all slept together in the guestroom.
Courtney loves this place. It's called Kangaroo Zoo and has all sorts of inflatable slides to play on. You can see that Dave even got in on the action. After playing for a few hours my nieces and nephews needed a massage from this chair. We had tons of fun seeing all the family!
Courtney went to her first, official, friend birthday party on Friday. It was at the ever wonderful Chuck E. Cheese. She really did have a great time. She loved the rides and also the games that won her some tickets.
When she saw Chuck E. she was so excited. She kept asking if we could go over and say hi and get a picture. She kept standing right by him. He kept tripping over her. She hugged him tight and he even gave her a free token!
This is little Ava, little sister to the birthday girl. She did not want Courtney holding her back, as you can see. She is 18 months old and Courtney loves to be a little mom to her.
This is Brinley, the birthday girl! Courtney remembered her saying how much she loves these giant coloring books, so she had to get it for her.
Of all the prizes a girl could pick, she picks the goofy eyes glasses. Nice. Thanks Brinley and Karinne for a great party.
