Surprise Birthday Celebration

After Safety Day, we hopped in the car to surprise a former co-worker and friend for his 30th birthday. I was so honored that his Mom contacted me and invited us to the surprise party. Joel used to work for / with me at my old company (we've both moved on) and he and his family have a special place in my heart. His wife Lauren is absolutely darling and their little girl Caroline is super adorable. Just one of the best couples and families you could ever meet. 

Unfortunately when Joel and Lauren arrived, we were inside with the boys (they had to potty). I was bummed that we missed the "Surprise!!" but it was even better when Eli went over to Joel and gave him his birthday sign. Eli walked up to him and said "Happy Birthday Joel" and handed him the sign. Joel was kinda taken aback and just said "Uh, hi Eli". He was pretty confused and then I came out from where I was standing behind someone. Not only was the party a surprise for Joel, our being there was also a big surprise. I'm so glad we made the trip! Joel's parents were quite the host and hostess and put up with our crazies after being cooped up in the car for a few hours. 

Happy Birthday Joel!!

Eli with sweet Caroline

THIS was hilarious. Eli was talking about how many push ups he could do so Lauren challenged him to a push up contest...and she was in a dress!! Told you she was awesome! 

Two very yummy cakes. Joel's mom is in the picture with the black sleeveless shirt. 

The birthday boy and fan club. It's amazing to me that Joel held a 6 week old Eli at our jobsite and now here he is with 6 YEAR old Eli. Time sure flies!

Such a great guy. 

Love Lauren!

Wonderful couple - I hope they enjoy many more birthdays together

Safety Day

Today was Fire Safety Day at Leesville High School. We stopped by over there to check it all out and let the boys see the fire trucks. They had bounce houses, Sunset Slush (yum!), fire trucks, emergency vehicles, police cars and a car cutting demonstration. Lots to see and do and the boys had fun. 

My personal favorite! Higbie the fire dog. Notice his badge. I still miss Belle all the time!

Checking out the heavy equipment. 

The fire department was the same one that Eli got to ride to school with. Pretty cool!

Oh yes, Sunset Slush!

Demonstration where they used the Jaws of Life to extract a "body"

It was amazing to watch.

Very thankful they learn and practice how to do this. Just hope we never need it!

Wool E. Bull checked it out when they were done

This better be the only way I see them in the back seat of a police car!!

Eli loved sitting in the undercover police car.

And Cole loved it too!

Learning a little bit from the EMS squad about what happens in the ambulance. 

When Eli met Wool E. Bull, he smacked Eli upside the head. Hilarious!!!

Our Cub Scout

Eli loves doing Cub Scouts with Dad. Isn't he so adorable in his uniform?!

A SUPER Saturday - Celebrating Cousins

Today was a super fun Saturday celebrating the boys' cousins - a brand new one and ones that are turning one. Let's get this party started......

Of course, a new baby cousin has to have a flannel rag blanket made by Auntie Evia

So excited to meet Baby Connor!

Today was about meeting Baby Connor and celebrating the twin cousins Keegan and Kaleb's 1st birthday. We left home semi-early Saturday morning with plans to stop by Build-A-Bear at Concord Mills (ours is closed for renovation) so we could build bears for the K's. As always, Eli and Cole had fun picking out animals and "building" them. 

Eli picked out a dog for Keegan (his baby)

Cole picked out a bear for Kaleb (his baby)

Stuffed love for their cousins - I wish I could remember the animal's names. I think one was Zeke but can't remember the other. Bummer!

After we finished at Build-A-Bear, we headed to Uncle Billy & Aunt Niki's house to meet Baby Connor. Connor was born August 29th so this was our first chance to see him. 

"Is it legal to carry guns this big?" - Hilarious!

My baby brother holding his baby - am I really that old?! I remember when Billy was born!!

Cole loves little baby feet

My brother, me and Baby Connor

Looks like he likes his blanket!

Cousins!! 

Aunt Niki aka Proud Mommy!!

After meeting Baby Connor, we headed to Keegan & Kaleb's house to celebrate their 1st birthday. They had quite the rockin' birthday party! Lots of kids for the boys to play with and they had a great time. It was great to see Jeff (my brother) and Erin and friends / family. There was lots of food, playing, hanging out and cake! You have to have cake for your birthday!

Decorated cookies I made for the party - it was a train theme

One of the cupcake towers

Erin had such cute decorations - she had gifts for them inside this train and also had a train going around the tracks. 

Goodies for party guests - a bandana, conductor hat, train whistle and train cookie (made by yours truly!).

Thank you note on the back of the cookie.

The train cookie

Picture trains of each boy. Erin also made them cute signs of their likes / dislikes and stats of them being a one year old. She's super crafty!

The birthday boys themselves!

Hard to believe a year ago they were such little babies. 

"Enough already Aunt Evia. We want to party with our guests!"

My brother and friends cutting bbq.

Hanging in the back yard. 

Grandma is SO happy to have five healthy grandsons. 

Ready for cake

I love my brother's face in this picture. 

Keegan didn't waste any time getting into his cake. 

Such a sweet family!

Mmmmmm.......Cake!

Keegan was hilarious how he just went for it!

Kaleb was a little more reserved and used his manners. =)

Tried to get a picture of all the kiddos. BIG party!

Eli and Cole with their cute little cousins. It's going to be so much fun watching them all play together.