Trip to Lafayette (Landon's Birthday)

We made an impromptu visit to Lafayette to visit Sarah and her family before school started. It was pretty exciting. The school year was quickly approaching and Landon was having his 7th birthday party, so we decided to throw caution into the wind and make the 4 hour trip down. It was really great because we decided not to tell the kids we were going until the day we left, so we kept it quiet until Casey got home from work, then I said "We should go do something fun with dad today". Porter said "Lets go play a family game of football", and Bennett said "Lets go to Landon and Addie's house", then I said "BENNETT, THAT WOULD BE SO FUN, LETS DO IT!". I could tell he was afraid to get too excited then he said in a serious voice "Ok, but no joking". It was pretty funny, but now he thinks he can come up with all kinds of wild adventures and we'll actually do it.

The kids were totally happy to be together. My parents ,my sister Hanny ,our friend Tim, and Cincy came in from Louisville and got a hotel room so we could all go swimming (always a hit with this group). Then the big kids got to spend the night in the hotel with Nana and Grampy. Pretty cool. I think Miles drove Miss Cincy crazy, but he sure loved holding that little dog. All the kids think she is just the best!

The birthday party was so so cute. I'm so glad my sister is so flexible. I called her about three days before the party and said "Umm, we're thinking about coming down would that totally stress you?" and she was so enthusiastic about having us come I didn't feel a bit guilty for adding 5 extra party goers. She did a really great job with the party. Landon wanted a super hero themed party so when each kid got there they had to think of a super hero name and they got a custom designed super hero cape . Porters super hero name was Payton Manning (weird), Maya was Golden Girl (also weird), Bennett was Spider man (typical), and Miles was Tank (appropriate). Here are a few of their super hero poses...

Modeling her cape...

Flying through the air...

Climbing tall buildings (and obviously super hearing)...

Super crouching...

and lastly super mask adjusting.

It was just so great being with everyone. It's great to be with family!

Cake and presents. Landon was in heaven with all his loot.

Miles loved Sarah's trampoline. I think we need to get us one, oh wait, a trampoline would take up our entire yard...

Sarah did a really fun variation on the trusty ol' pinata. She had two villains (Dad and Steven-and you can see Casey in the background felt totally left out) steal all the candy. The super hero's had to chase the villains and hit them with their weapons (mini wiffel balls) and anytime a villain was hit he'd toss a handful of candy into the air and run off. It was so great, the kids loved it and, although we didn't get to enjoy the funny moments associated with blindfolded kids and pinata sticks, we got some awesome pictures of my dad looking menacing.

These kids were just eager to get the bad guys, they didn't care about the candy at all (yeah right).

It's raining goodies.

Who says all toddlers aren't built alike?

Casey and Stev-o had a great time tossing the football (non-stop). Look at that stud!

Ok, Sarah is going to KILL me for putting this next picture in here but just ignore Sarah's funny smile and check out my Dad and Hanny who were busting a move in the house. We were playing dance party music for the kids and they were all rocking out on the lawn, but Dad and Hanny opted for the air conditioned comfort of the house.

After the party the kids had a great time just being together, and I think this was our first get together where someone didn't puke! That's a pretty big deal. I sure miss living near Sarah and her family. She always has tons of fun ideas and is totally the life of the party, and her kids are so cute and polite and wonderful. We are blessed to have such great influences in our lives.


We can't wait for the next get together!