Becca's Birthday

These are some little snapshots from celebrating Becca's birthday.

I had told her that Adele and I wanted to take her out to dinner

so the three of us could celebrate,

but since we're all about surprises...

there was a crowd waiting at the restaraunt.

After dinner, we went to a park-

the guys threw a football around for a bit

and we made full use of the swings.

I "borrowed" Near's glasses,

Adele and I had a rope climbing contest,

and there were quite a few tic tac toe matches.

Eventually we ended up in another friend, Jeremy's, basement.

We passed the night playing ping pong,

a few rounds of cards,

and simply talking and laughing.

happy birthday becca!  

gathering place

not too long ago, I finally got a fire pit

after borrowing other people's for a long time.

(i don't know why i didn't just get one in the first place...(scratches head))

now that i have it,

somehow my friends and i keep ending up circled around it.

it's sort of become a gathering place for us.

i certainly don't mind, i love them

and i love the times we spend sitting around it.

Birthday

Today is this girl's birthday!

Becca joins the 20 club along with the rest of us!

Lucky for me, I have known her for at least 15 of those 20 years.

I wish her a very happy birthday

and here's to the next 15 years of being friends!

Luau Take 2

I can't thank everyone enough for coming!

Happy Birthday, Adele!

Here's to you!

We love you!

Ho ' olaule ' a (Celebration!)

Did I mention the luau was a surprise?

Well we pulled it off!

I had casually invited Adele over just to sit and chat on the back deck with me for a while, so when she rounded the corner and was met with a full on party of people yelling surprise, it was priceless.

She told me later that she hadn't a clue, she never suspected anything.  I love that! I love when a truely good surprise is pulled off.  I couldn't have done it without all of our amazing friends.

Setting Up

We had a surprise birthday party for Adele Monday evening.  I collaborated with Becca and we decided to make it a luau.  Becca is pretty much the luau queen, so we had a plethora of awesome decorations!  And we went all out.  Plus, Adele had mentioned recently how she's always wanted to receive an edible fruit arrangement, so we checked into ordering one, but they don't deliver to our area.  To counter this, you guessed it- we made one!

More to follow on the actual party!   

1st Birthday

Yesterday I got to join my friend Laura and her family in celebrating her nephew, Aaron's, first birthday!  The celebration was held at her sister's house, which is about a two and a half hour drive. 

I met Aaron when he was just a month or so old and I remember Laura's excitement when he was born.  I couldn't wait to see him again-it's been too long!  He's grown so much in this first year.  It's amazing how fast children change and develop when they're young. 

Aaron has such a good attitude.  He didn't fuss once even with all the people and being passed around so much.  He seemed to really enjoy his first birthday.  Besides, he received some cool gifts, and got to eat birthday treats, so how could he not enjoy it? ;)

Laura's aunt made the adorable frog cookies.  Talk about talent!  Plus, she found a fan in Aaron, he really liked his cookie. Aaron also got a kick out of being messy with his cupcake, which was funny and cute all at once.  After opening presents, we were treated to Aaron demonstrating for everyone how he dances to the elmo song.  He is a mover!

I really appreciated being able to be there for Aaron's 1st birthday.  It was so kind of Laura and her family to invite me.  I felt honored to celebrate his birthday.  I don't have any nephews of my own (and never will have any biological ones for that matter), but if I did, I'd want one just like Aaron. :)  

School's Out!

Adele, Becca and I have been enjoying the first few days of summer by running around oustide and being goofy.  We went to the park the other day, a park which all of us grew up going to.  In fact, we have some younger pictures of us in that very same car/batmobile. (see top picture.)

I just love these girls.  And if this is how summer will be, bring it on! 

P.s. Becca, I have a feeling we're going to be making full use of that brand new porch of yours.  So don't be alarmed if one day you find Adele and I sitting on your porch swing. ;) 

Finals

it's that time of the year again...

when my to-do list looks oh-so-impossible

and this looks like the most wonderful place on earth....

and it's the time when i start wearing these...

eek!

however, finals time also means

 soon it will be time for

cookouts

bonfires

swimming

bike riding

star gazing

lightning bugs

tennis playing

s'mores

fireworks

picnics

and enjoying the sun.

i. can't. wait.

MPA

Tonight I just returned from the Midwestern Psychological Association's annual conference.

It was held at the Palmer House Hilton, pictured above.  (Isn't it gorgeous?!)

It was my first time attending and I must say, it was really intriguing to see what students all over the U.S. have been researching.  The topics ranged far and wide!  As did the school affiliations!  However, the one thing everyone had in common was that they have dedicated an impressive amount of time and energy towards their research.

here's til next year, mpa!

Weekend Snapshots

Here are some last little shots from our weekend together.

I'm so glad Adele was able to come visit.  It was an awesome couple of days.

We had a lot of fun just being goofy, as you can see.