Sunday, April 18, 2010

Jack & Olivia's 2nd Annual Birthday Party

"Jack and Olivia" decided to have their 3rd birthday parties together again this year. ASI Gymnastics compliments of the ease with their program, close proximity, and a fantastic coupon was the place to Jump, Tumble, and Play to celebrate their birthday!
Angela designed the invitations using a Swoozie's sample as inspiration. They came out great-Thanks Angela!
GG and Mac came in for the weekend. We LOVE when they come to visit. Lots of playing, going out to eat yummy food, and more playing!
The night before the party (you know during Spring Break) this is what we looked out to see on the patio. They had expected a little bit of snow flurries...
but this is what we woke up to the morning of the party.
Unsure of whether of not the gym would be open or if people would come we were grateful that the fallen tree behind the Jetta was not the one tree we have. Poor GG and Mac stuck in their hotel the the weather cleared up. Not the trip or weekend that any of us planned.

So being the good Mommy to help with the unpredictiveness of it all....I made french bread, french toast with powdered sugar and our birthday boy's (you know the boy who has owned the whole month of March) favorite-fruit!

Jack has been around more snow this year than I had probably in my whole life. He knew exactly what he needed to do before being allowed to go outside-gear up.

I too had to gear up but wasn't really interested in heading outside to play in the snow AGAIN so pardon my outfit....actually I think Nick was the only one remotely normal for our snow day adventures.
Really...this much snow in late March!?!
Not sure why the pictures haven't been rotating...but you get the "picture".
Being the clever mom who borrows ideas from others (Thanks Tina), I ran inside googled a recipe for snow ice cream, grabbed together the ingredients, and the "cooking" began. And I know...I allowed us to eat snow fallen through the polluted air and that had been on the ground...this snow was different than the others...very powder like and pure (my justification).
My sioux chef taste tested the snow ice cream and it was approved. Yummy! I was thinking we might need it to eat with the 24 cupcakes we'd have if his party got cancelled because of the weather.
But luckily the party was on, Jack and Olivia were given chemicals by the workers, and everyone had a blast so it was a success despite the snow. He was just kidding here about their special birthday prizes...but WOW...cleaner...they actually got gold medals that said, "Happy Birthday".
We were very unfamiliar with this style of party. They set everything up in the room for us, the kids were off with the coaches for an hour while the parents were left to observe and visit from the bleachers, and the clean up including them packing up the presents and carrying things to the car were completely taken care of. It was hard to sit back and not assist the kids or get on to them :) but in the end, I enjoyed it because I was able to observe, relax, and visit while the kids had fun and were worn out. Thanks to Karen's Dad and Angela we didn't even have to worry about taking any pictures!
Jack loved the trampoline!
At bit out of order...here they were being presented their medals.
Little Jack enjoyed the rope swing but chose to hang out in the foam pit the rest of the time...Arm strength wasn't his strong suit so activities that required hanging on weren't his favorites. I feel ya buddy...
"Hey you over there hanging on to the rope...watch out or I'll spray you with my hose."
Nathan was such a good friend to help the birthday boy out of the pit.
Here were the cupcakes that for the record turned out a bit darker than I anticipated, almost ate it in the parking lot, and made lots of parents super happy!
Make a wish Jack! Happy 3rd Birthday! We love you!
All that exercise worked up a hunger because when it was time to hit the party room everyone dug into the cheese, goldfish, raisins, pub mix, Sun Chips, Water, Juice, and of course the cupcakes. Take a look at joker in the background. Not sure how he even managed that but for the record I did offer for his mom to make me the bad guy...he requested one of Jack's cupcakes, was one of Olivia's friends, and so he ended up with this instead of the fluffy WHITE cupcakes they were offering. Hehe!
When we got back to the house after a good dinner with GG and Mac, Jack enjoyed opening up all his wonderful gifts from his friends. It was hard to believe that Spring Break was over, that the weather had been so random, and that my little boy is 3 years old! Can't wait to celebrate next year with a little brother or sister to help him blow out the candles and open his presents!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Spring Break in Louisiana

Our Spring Break trip to Baton Rouge/New Orleans was just what The Relle Clan needed although just coming down from Disney and with Jack's birthday party at the tail end of the holiday we are still trying to catch our breaths from it all. These pictures are a hodgepodge as our chips were full, batteries dead-so it was a camera fest weekend and I am pretty sure we are missing some, but you get the gist of the great time had by all over Spring Break 2010 from what we have below.


St. Patrick's Day Parade Party at the Craigs'. The weather, food (a whole other story that resulted in my almost visiting the ER rather than just Lake After Hours this trip), family, friends, throws, and FUN!
Where's Jack?

Here he is!
With beautiful weather what is a trip into Baton Rouge without a visit to see Mike the Tiger...this was the most up close we've had for a Jack visit.
The rest of us hit up the sales at the gift shop while Papa took the kids on an adventure to keep them up...and to drag dirty chains around...but hey, they stayed awake so mission accomplished.
Sunday was Jack's family birthday party. Before the guest arrived Bebe's little cookies enjoyed some of her cookies-YUMMY!
Trouble 1 & Trouble 2
Trouble 1 & Trouble 2 sitting with Trouble 3 & Trouble 4
The gingerbread house from Christmas made an appearance and joined the rest of the toys to make the backyard a Fun Wonderland for all the Troubles.

" i" mean really
Seemed to be ready for another Mickey themed cupcake celebration after practicing before on our trip.
Seemed being the key word...check out Mr. Bashful. You can almost hear Gab's thoughts, "I mean really Jack...do you need me to take your place?"
I'll huff,
And I'll puff,
And I'll blow these 3 candles out with Gab's help.
Loot from loved ones. What a great birthday in Baton Rouge...now on to New Orleans.
Hanging in the tent with Gramps..."Now this is tied with the coolness of the gingerbread house." Now house or tent can beat this JACKPOT..."Get me a bag Daddy....I'm filling it up!"
Everyone came out to help Jack celebrate his 3rd birthday (it was his actual birthday too!)
This party's theme: Thomas!
Expert status now-no need to be bashful or request assistance.
A candid living room shot of a great time in New Orleans.

Thanks everyone in Louisiana for helping us to celebrate our little boy's 3rd birthday. I can't believe how fast time has flown by and look forward to the adventures that the Relle Clan will have over the next year!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Breakdown of Disney Trip...

Disney Trip- Dipped into College Fund
Disney Snacks & Souvenirs- Broke the Piggy Bank

4 Relles in this Disney Family Photo- PRICELESS!

Baby Relle #2 coming November 2010!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Disney 2010

Wow! Nothing other than LIFE causing this void in the blog, but a void in our memory making-nope....just check back...I'm trying!

On Wednesday, 3rd The Relle Clan picked Jack up from school to take him to the mystery vacation location. We presented the adorable bag made by Nicole Eades full of plane goodies and he couldn't believe that he was finally going to meet Mickey!

And although he was more excited upon entering the airport from the terminal train due to their "being a mall" than when finding out that we were going to Disney-Nothing topped his excitement like tossing the backpack and running into the arms of Papa and Bebe at the airport! Bad picture=Video camera broken in transport & camera not on dummy mode in the dark airport.
The trip could have ended here but it just got better and better...
Mickey had decorated the cabin for Jack's birthday! And I must say much like the mall: The murphy bed and bench at the table were pretty high up on his list over the balloons and cookies that night-he was exhausted but it was all new the next morning and even more exciting the second go around.

Sleeping in the bottom bunk with Papa and Bebe was so much fun...Remember that moment- Jack banged his head in the middle of the night and before Papa and Bebe could get up to check on him he shouts out, "I'm Otay!"
First Disney bus ride of MANY! Snack in hand..common view throughout the trip. Check out the cute hoodie Nicole made fore Jack too...later his red shirt is another contribution that made this trip so MAGICAL !
At the Settlement Dock waiting for the boat to the Magic Kingdom...Papa trying to keep Bebe from, well....dying-It was so cold!
Might not be his official birthday til the 15th, but we celebrated the whole trip and Month for that matter-You only turn 3 once!

As we entered the Magic Kingdom there was a parade...speechless/awe is a good description of our little man and happiness/freedom/and beyond is a good description of his mom.
The Relle Clan Disney 2010

First ride on the agenda (or lack there of because we had no plan or expectations other than having fun) was Dumbo.
Which remains his favorite to this day.
The place where all his Clubhouse friends hang out.
"Come on ya'll-Hurry up, we'll miss the Magic Kingdom Railway train to lunch!"
First Pecos Bill burger not long after we got to the Magic Kingdom-Dumbo worked up a hunger...love the condiment bar-A problem I realize.
Papa and Bebe~It's a Small World
Relle Clan~After All
Jack saw the cars soon after entering the park and couldn't wait to drive them. Another top of the list ride-then again-EVERYTHING MADE HIS BEST TIME EVER LIST.
Jack's first encounter with his Disney character friends-LOVE!
A little rest on the People Mover.
Jack and his snacks. He didn't like putting them down for attractions. Here in Frontier land he cleaned out his zip lock of Apple Jacks. Poor baby was working up an appetite with all this fun!
The Tiki House-Heated but Jack and Papa symbolize where on the list this long time Disney attraction (although under new management is an improvement) stand.
After a long, fun filled day at Magic Kingdom Bebe headed back to the cabin because it was cold and we stuck around to check out Spectromagic.
Exhaustion-No nap, never whined-A true Disney fan!
While snacking up and waiting for the fireworks Jack got his first set of Mickey Mouse ears made with his name monogrammed on the back in Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse traditional font.
The tired Relle Clan. Worth documenting that the day was made possible for all 4 of us (Jack was FREE~under 2) due to Nick and I volunteering a Saturday (Thanks for watching Jack McWilliams family) volunteering at a local community center through the Give a Day, Get a Day Disney Program.
A VERY COLD boat ride back to the cabin-This was Papa's attire for real to keep warm. We snuggled Jack in between us all looking down to shield the wind while Nick held onto the gear at the back of the boat. Loved passing the covered heated boat along the way.
Day 2 snacks began on the bus to Hollywood Studios to meet Cousin Chad.

Jack and Chad hit it off fast-this is usually not a problem for Jack. This day was possible thanks to Cousin Chad getting Nick, Mom, and I in for FREE with park hopper ability due to his connections with Mickey Mouse. Thanks Chad for a Magical Day 2!
Jack's first encounter with Tigger as he was headed off for a break.
Or so he thought...
But not before a hug from Jack...
That caused him to look at me for help (which I ignored and snapped pictures) and a little shake off action. :)
Jack hearts T-I-double G-er!
We had breakfast with Chad, walked around, & said good-bye before heading into the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse LIVE! Just deleted the picture of Jack with his hero Handy Manny and from the show...What can you do? Nothing but get this very tardy post finished up for publishing.
Papa and I created an ID tag for Jack that became a staple with his Birthday pin and the many, many stickers he wore at all times. Process took longer than an average tourist due to the tourist who worked on the project.

Worth the time and $12 because he loved it!
Nick and his addiction.

Papa and his creative way to document Brian's "addiction"-Jack and Coke!
Lunch break
Jack was unsure of the balloon man. And he didn't want one (or anything for that matter) on this trip....He'd look, at times touch, but when offered to purchase items he'd respond with, "Nope, I Otay!" A normal person would be grateful, we were shocked and determined for him to buy something in the money trap souvenior stores-It's part of the experience.
Monorail ride number 1. Original plan was to hop over to Epcot but when Jack asks with such seriousness, "When we gonna ride Dumbo again?" you throw out the original plans and head back over to the Magic Kingdom not caring if Epcot happens this trip. LOVE~HAPPINESS~MAGIC
LOVE~HAPPINESS~MAGIC
Jack and his heros
First rollercoaster ride against Bebe's grandmother suggestions-Wasn't a disaster, wasn't Dumbo, but part of the memories he still talks about.
Hugging/Holding onto Daddy
Dumbo ride number 2 after a long line (spending full day Thursday-great plan b/c Friday was busy) without any complaints with his Papa.
2nd to Dumbo for favorites.
Leave it to someone on the trip to get injured-just never thought it would be by ice cream bar...
No ice cream injuries with Papa and Jack
Other than maybe bumping heads while sharing.
A picture I've been waiting to take since before he was born!
A quick meet up with friends Bobby (birthday boy) and Lana at the Magic Kingdom!
We avoided all things scary up until walking out headed to Epcot day 2 when the witch from Snow White was being "mean" to Mickey and friends on stage in front of the castle. We couldn't pull him away and now he relates the castle to the darn witch-even in Disney Candyland by not wanting to win because he doesn't want to go to the witch castle...Grrr!
Papa and Bebe trying to smooth it over, no tears but true concern, we're still working on it today. Might have to just plan another trip so he can see there is not mean witch in Cinderella's Castle.
Walt, Jack, & Minnie
" I grabbed Tigger's leg and I'll get your tongue."
"And your whiskers!"
Nick bringing us to the big ball.
Snack time again.
Hanging with Nemo and his friends.
And more eating with Papa and Bebe in The Land.
The strawberries on the shortcake made it healthy right?!?
1) The pink Minnie lights up and her skirt spins...the only item that Jack asked for on his own so of course purchased by Papa and Bebe the night before when Nick and I ate together in Italy, rode Soar'n, walked Epcot, had dessert in Mexico, & did a little Disney shopping. 2) A model example of what Walt intended to accompany good wholesome Disney fun-Florida lotto and scratch offs in the Fort Wilderness Cabin.
Not so hidden, but super earthy and cool MICKEY.
What are you looking at Willus?!
Liked the hat but "didn't need" but did want the Candyland...but headed back to the cabin so Nick and I could get him all the things he didn't realize he needed-visor, Candyland, Dumbo Doll, Disney t shirt, Box of Mr. Potato Head Disney characters, Disney Channel CD, video of Magic Kingdom, Mickey keychains for all 3 of us, & eventually a visor for Nick, a cookie cutter & pancake mold for Bebe, a hat for Papa, all to go with my shirt & backpack plus the ID necklace and suckers he bought for his friends. Oh and that lovely light up Minnie and treats for my students and sub. Good thing the tickets to the parks were free.
While we shopped Jack had a picnic at the cabin with Papa and Bebe.
And decorated his golf cart we spent the afternoon driving around the campgrounds while exploring.
Jack's first "beach" experience and tetherball with his parents at the campgrounds.
I'd say he liked it...kinda-has a little issues with the sand between his toes. I had issues with the sand flea bites that itched me the rest of the trip.
a little playground fun.
Roasting marshmellows...
while listening to the band, drinking hot chocolate, and meeting Chip and Dale (just deleted on accident)...
while Bebe was a true "camper" and stayed bundled up til we were done and ready for the dinner Buffet at the campground.
A day and campfire sing along full of fun equals a hungry camper.
Don't remember what was going on here but I do know that it was the only pouting he had other than pajama time every night. Bet it was that mean witch at the castle on Candyland that caused his behavior.
Helping us pack.
The much complained about Chef Mickey's Breakfast due to our reservations being "too early" for our campers when our flight was later in the afternoon.
Pre Character Breakfast Photo Op
Take 2
Blowin kisses with Minnie
Pluto keeping his distance-must have remembered Jack was the boy that pulled his tongue and ruffled his whiskers.
Goofy-just that and a bit ignorant
with his putting out Jack's candle with his gloves numerous times stunt a bit later. Chef Mickey!
Donald approaching so Jack shovels in his fruit in fear that it might get kidQuacked by Donald.
I didn't hear any of these campers complaining throughout the delicious breakfast, numerous trips back to the buffet, watching Jack up close with the characters one last time, and celebrating his birthday...apologies accepted. :)
Happy 3rd Birthday Jack Anthony Relle!
We love you!!
Like Papa like Mama! Rice Krispie treats to finish off the breakfast buffet at Chef Mickey's-Pretty sure it topped both of us off a bit more than our tanks could/should handle.
Celebrating the end of a great trip at Disney's Celebration on this beautiful day at their outdoor Market.
"Maybe if I hide the they won't see me and the trip won't end."
Airport~Where the Magic continues because of who you are with...
Thanks Papa for being you...
and for you Bebe too!
The Relle Clan~Disney 2010