Addison turns 4!

Addi has been waiting for this day to come for a year!! :o) She didn't believe us when we told her it was her birthday. She was like, "You're kidding me right? It can't be!" When it finally sank in she was pleased as punch. She had a Happy meal for lunch, which ironically was what I ate when I was in labor with her!! Hey, don't judge me. I was starving and the hospital food was crap. Then Jess shows up with McDonalds for her and Tony to eat right in front of me. I caved. And it was delicous. :o)Addi's happy meal toy was a princess crown. Perfect.

So Addi's big Birthday bash isn't until this Saturday but we had a little party here at home today.




Addison's good buddy Julian was here today to help her celebrate!



Opening PRESENTS!!






And the Big Present.......

A Dollhouse!






She loved her new house and so did Kaden! Everything in the house makes noises, the washing machine, computer, telephone, baby crib, toilet, ect. ect. It is so cute. Tony and I were laughing so hard listening to her narrate the family living in the house. Tony got a kick out of the Mother saying, "Just a second Dear, I am working on the computer!" lol. Well I am sure if there was an xbox in that tiny little house we all know where the Dad would be. In fact, It was funny how the dad got to sit outside in a chair all day while the mom worked on the computer :o) did laundry, cooked, took care of the baby, took care of the neighbors baby, and settled disputes amongst all the townspeople. Go Little People Mom. She must have a good role model ;o)

Time for CAKE!


After cake and icecream the kiddos watched Addi's new movie, Toy Story. She is walking around the house saying "Happy Birthday to ME!" :o)

Love you Addi for making everyday bright and shiney just like you!

We All ScReAm for IcE cReAm :o)

Last Thursday Addi somehow convinced me to take her out for ice cream. It was a nice excuse to leave the house. I decided that we would go BIG, and ordered Addi her first banana split for the two of us to share. When it arrived she stood up, started clapping and cheering and then exclaimed. "Congratulations Mom! You've REALLY done it this time!" It was funny, adorable and completely embarrassing all at the same time. :o)

We started missing the boys so we came home and convinced them to join us for a family trip to the park. Kaden will climb up the equipment and take a slide down like it is no big deal. Well it is to his Mother! :o)




Tony was suddenly interested in taking pictures when he saw this photo opportunity of me looking ridiculous. Thought I would share! :o)



We found Kaden a brand new rug at Goodwill for his cars. I also found some great Little People toys for the kids and spent a grand total of $5! I have never been much of a thrift store shopper, but I think I will definately check them out every once in a while.



Here we are eating ice cream again. I know it seems like all we do is eat ice cream, but I assure you that I don't keep it in the house and it is something we go do for a special occasion. Today's reason was it was nice, we had a day off together, and we were already in Pullman, so we headed to Washington State University's on campus creamery and bought some of thier world famous cheese and naturally ice cream as well.




Addison recieved some money from her Grandpa and Grandma Shaffer and Dawson for her birthday and she wanted to buy a pet. She decided on this beta fish and named him "Sparkle Boy" yesterday, and today she changed his name to "Tina Boy". She thinks he is the nicest, prettiest fish in the whole world. :o)

A few of my favorite things...

A favorite spring ritual took place yesterday: Taking the old mitt out and throwing the ball around. Something that makes me so happy. I sat there examining that old mitt, looking over all the wear and tear it has endured over the past 20 years. Like a fine wine, my mitt has gotten better over time. It has provided hundreds of hours of fun and countless cherished memories. It has fallen apart and been sewn back together. It is scuffed and beat-up, but still strong and reliable. Perfectly formed to my hand and catching style. My name burned in the leather is faded but still present. Yes indeed I love that mitt. Wouldn't trade it in for a new fancy model if you paid me. I am thankful for the things in my life that have stuck with me through it all. Good friends, amazing family, and that old mitt. Most of all, the love of my life, my husband and best friend Tony. He is alot like my mitt in the sense that he is the perfect fit for me, dependable, and I wouldn't trade him for the world. I can't imagine sharing my life with anyone else.
In true Shaffer form, we made the most of Tony's day off yesterday. Steak and eggs for breakfast, Rock Band jam session until lunch, then headed to Genesee to spend the afternoon in the sunshine. It felt great running around and throwing the ball. I could have played all night, but unfortunately I had to work. But of course I took some time in the day to take some pics of my adorable kids. :o)

Wanna Be A BaLLeR

Today I got off work at 10am and Tony went to work at 4pm, so we had all afternoon for some good quality family time. We went to Local Grindz and grabbed some Hawaiian food to go and had a delicious picnic in the park. (Be jealous Mandi ;o) We went on a little walk afterwards around the park and then played some hoops with the kids. Kaden is an eager student. We stopped by the mall on the way home and Addi got an Orange Julius and Kaden got some new walking shoes. Now Tony is at work for the night and I am planning on watching a few documentaries while I fold laundry. Woot woot. :o)

We Heart Moscow

I love living in Moscow. Yesterday we spent the day at East City Park enjoying one of Moscow's several annual festivals. We had perfect weather all day and then it down poured all night. Today was another beautiful day so the kids and I went on a walk to Tony's store and then spent the afternoon playing and relaxing in Friendship Square. Kaden was enjoying walking everywhere and Addi was playing a very fun and dramatic game of pirates at the playground. On the way home the kids kept yelling at me to RUN so now I am exhuasted! Who needs a personal trainer when you have kids? :o)