Jon's 39th surprise party

Jon turned 39 on Aug 8. I figured he would expect a party for his 40th, but not his 39th. A friend from church had thrown her husband a surprise 39th for the same reason. By the time I got the idea from her, I had a week to plan!  I was able to have a few friends & family over to make it enjoyable!  Below are highlights:

                                        They only had 30 sucks lollipops so I added a"9"

                                                                   Write on balloons!

Turtle Trouble!

When I went to feed the dogs, I saw that Dexter was playing with a turtle that had crawled into the electrical fence parameters. I quickly moved him to safety.

                                          Dexter wanted that turtle something fierce!

                                                           So cute!

                                                          
                                                           Free at last!!!!!

Highlights from Gabby's trip, 2011

Every year for Spenser's birthday, my best friend from childhood Gabby flies from her home in Texas for the party (a tradition we started with his 1st birthday).  This year we went to Biltmore. Below are highlights of the party & Biltmore:

Deflated balloons

I love to decorate the mailbox & love my garden flags!

Can you guess what Spenser got?

Was soooo glad Karen was there to build this toy!

My Aunt Annie came down from Pittsburgh too & I love it when she comes to visit!

Loved this Wizard of Oz doll set!

The photo of me looking JUST like my Mom that made me see she was there with us

Grapes!

Bee on flower

Gorgeous waterfall

This made me laugh for obvious reasons

Yes I was!

                                                            Yes it was!

The making of a Thomas cake

I thought I had plenty of time to find a place that would decorate Thomas the Train on a sheet cake, but 2 days before Spenser's 3rd birthday party, I found that no one would for copyright laws. So after I picked up Gabby my best friend from childhood, from the airport I told her that we might be up all night trying to draw Thomas on a sheet cake!  I had printed pics I found online & supplied the supplies & she went to work:

                                                       Cutting the shapes

Tracing with edible markers

Looking good!

Then coloring with a toothpick

                                        The finished product!  Great job Aunt Gabby!

High school graduation

Today my beautiful neice Caroline graduated from high school.

2nd from the back

                                                           on M&M's!

Wishing you all the best!  Looking forward to see who you "grow up to be"!

Scottie McCreery Day

Today in Garner where my Dad & brother & good friend Kristie live was American Idol Scotty McCreery day!  They had a parade & concert. Most people were at the concert but I opted for the parade & those that wanted to be close to Scotty but went to the concert were sorely disappointed as you can see from the below pics how close we were to him:

                                  Of course you all know who my American Idol is!

Royal Wedding!

I don't remember if I can remember watching Diana & Charles' wedding but I do remember Andrew & Fergie's wedding. But I loved Will & Kate's!  They are gorgeous- congrats & best wishes!