Birthday Fun!

I've had fun celebrating my birthday this week, even if I can't believe I'm 42! Yikes.

Wednesday night before Cubbies I was mopping the kitchen floor, and I started to talk to Mike--couldn't find him. Looked outside for the girls--they were gone. With the van. Without saying good-bye. Sniff. I got over feeling abandoned when they came home with a new bike for me!! Then they couldn't wait to give me the rest of my presents, so I graciously allowed them to give them to me early. Hee hee! Mike brought me a necklace of uncut Idaho huckleberry garnets from his trip back in Nov/Dec, and they gave me 4 Starbucks frappucino bottles, individually wrapped, and Jessica gave me her biggest, favoritest crystal from her rock collection. I felt very special.

On Friday we drove to Texarkana to pick our van up (yes, again) and give the loaner back, then drove to Houston to see Mike's family. We stopped at the Woodlands Mall first for our first monthly "family outing," a new tradition we want to start. We went to Build-a-bear, where they spent their Christmas money (and I had 3 coupons, including one for a free animal, so even Jessica, who already bought a dollhouse, got to make one!). I wish I had taken pictures--I love that place.
The first thing Rebecca did when we got to Mamaw's house was crawl up in her lap! They have such a sweet connection. And even though she had to ask our names, I think she knew who we were.


The whole family came on Saturday, and we had such a good time. We hadn't all been together in too long, so of course we took lots of pictures, and told all the funny family stories, like the time when Jeff shot Mike just barely above the eye with an arrow!
Here are the siblings:

Add the spouses (Jeannie's husband had to go help his dad that day):

Then add the grand-kids, and look what you get!

Here are the grand-kids closer up. I can't believe how grown up they're all getting.

Judy, Jeannie's friend who takes care of Mamaw when Jeannie's at work, came too. She's a part of the family now!

Monday was Mamaw's birthday, Saturday was mine, and Friday will be Jessica's, so they had a cake for all of us. Thankfully they didn't try to put on 136 candles. ;) They also surprised us with presents! So sweet.