Oscar Stew

the newest member of our family – Sally!

And you thought we were gonna show you pictures of a baby. HA! So here’s a little history: Right before we moved to CO Ryan’s car died. It wasn’t worth fixing, so we towed it to a salvage yard and got $100 for the title. Big money! Once we moved here Ryan, known for having an eye for what’s in style (what?!?) bought us a green 1995 Ford Taurus wagon.

At first we called it The Carp. It’s a big, ugly, fish-looking beast, don’t you think? Then the Cars movie came out, and D&B renamed it Ramone. Still a fitting title, as we have never seen anyone else of our “ethnic background” drive a Taurus wagon. It was what we could afford at the time, and Ramone served us well for 3.5 years. But with our ever-expanding family we faced the reality that three car seats didn’t fit inside Ramone. So Adios Ramone! Now, ZOOM ZOOM!

It was only fitting for Ryan to buy a 2002 Mazda MPV minivan, because Drew is already in season two of his illustrious soccer career, yet Amy was still not a member of the notorious Soccer Mom’s Club. Please don’t ask about the secret handshake…

Sally is by far the newest, fanciest car we have ever owned. Keyless entry is a new thing for us. Up the cool ladder we go! baby steps…

The kids had a great time pampering Sally. She got the full spa treatment.

And to think we hired these two yahoos off the back porch! Payment was easy! Social Services is gonna come any day now and haul us away for slave labor…

Ryan’s birthday was last week. He was working, so the kids and I made sure to cook up quite the celebration.

Drew mixed up the cake batter (almost) all by himself, and both kids enjoyed licking the beaters. yummm

We made cupcakes just so we could emphasize how stinkin’ old Ryan is…heh.

We spared no expense on the birthday gifts…the kids had fun picking out a few small things they thought daddy would like.

Me being the slave driver that I am, made the kids wrap the gifts all by themselves. I think they did a pretty bang up job.

When Ryan finally made it home, he was blasted with silly string. (Drew’s favorite birthday tradition)

I tried to light all those candles. I put forth my best effort, but after getting burned a few times I gave up. We got about 2/3 of them lit and called it good.

The kids had a blast playing the birthday fairy. Hopefully next year we will be able to up the birthday budget.  Happy Birthday Ryan – We love you! 🙂

these two are quite the pair.

They were playing dress up this afternoon while I was was cleaning up. When they came downstairs I couldn’t help but giggle. Brinley was Cinderella (of course!) and Drew was Prince Charming. I was a little thrown off by the tiger ears, but hey – what do I know? Drew was also sporting a purple necklace and a floral purse, which he cleverly slung over his shoulder – because that makes it more manly, right? Brinley had her magic wand, which she calls her “maggot wand,” and a purse filled with all sorts of goodies, including a second purse. They said they were on their way to the airport…I wonder if they would make it through security?

Just so you can fully appreciate Brinley’s “up-do”…

My favorite part is the popsicle stained lips. I wish I could remember what it was like to be a kid, and be totally carefree. Good thing I have these two to remind me what life is really about…