Elvis and Dr. Seuss

 

Having been through 3rd grade at Lowery already with Keaton, I knew that the Seussical Musical was coming up at Christmas time.  We joked around with Cort asking if he was going to try out for the role of Elvis.  He always insisted he just wanted to be a bodyguard elf or rapper elf.  One day after school as we are driving in the car rider pick up line, he tells me he got the Elvis part.  I was completely shocked since I didn't even know he was trying out. Mark and I were thrilled and couldn't wait to see him perform.  We asked him numerous times to practice his song at home in front of us, but he never would.  I admit, I was a little nervous the big night not knowing how it was going to turn out.  

Elvis before the show.

 

 

Lowery's 3rd grade class 2013

Elvis was hid most of the production in the back until his number was up.

Frosty the snowman was a lot of fun to watch.  Bernard had a lot of moves!

I didn't get any pictures of Cort singing because I was videoing it.  He did GREAT!!!  I was so happy for him and proud.  He had a lot of fun with it and he was very brave to try out for such a big part in the musical.  I secretly think he enjoyed all the attention.  Especially all the screaming girls!!!!
Every body loves Elvis!!!

Lordy Lordy Look Who's 40!!!

I threw a surprise party for Mark's 30th birthday at our house and we celebrated with family and friends.  So as his 40th birthday approached, I knew I wanted to surprise him again.  I had this idea brewing for months and then in July started actually making solid plans.  Needless to say throwing this party was a lot of work and very stressful, but I knew it was going to be so much fun!!!



Flashback picture of Mark at his 30th birthday party!!! 
Look how young he looks!!

 

I had my parents come in for the weekend.  We all surprised Mark at the kids football game Friday night.  He pretty much knew something was up, but I kept telling him that this was the only surprise....My parents coming in and dinner out with the whole family at Blue Water Seafood. 

It was fun and even Aunt Kerrie and Mark's parents joined us.  No one knew the rest of my plans yet......

 

Saturday morning, I surprised Mark again by telling him to pack an overnight bag.  I was taking him to lunch and we were staying in a hotel for the night.  My parents were keeping the boys for us.  We had lunch at Live Oak Grill on this beautiful day.  Perfect weather for hanging out on the patio.   

After lunch we made a stop at Cavender's and bought him some new boots and then checked into the Sheraton.  I told him we were going to dinner that night but kept all the details a surprise.  And when we were ready we headed downstairs.  Nick, Mark's business partner, was waiting  in the lobby.  We all climbed into the hummer limo that was waiting for us outside and then I couldn't keep anymore secrets.  I spilled everything and let Mark in on the evening plans. 

 

First stop was to pick up Mike, Kelly, Bob, Holly, Chris and Jill at the Kesler's.
No one knew about the limo, so it was so much fun to see their reaction as we pulled up.  We then toured Copperfield and picked up Kurt & Kathy, Jenni & Norman, and then Kate & Steve. 

 

 

The limo ride was a blast!

The Copperfield gang

The whole group

We had reservations at Stratta Restaurant in Vintage Park.  We lucked out and even scored the private room. 

The food was awesome.

The drinks were flowing.

And the laughs were a plenty.

It was an awesome night.

And everything I had envisioned.

There were a lot of laughs.....some we may not live down anytime soon.

Happy Birthday to my old man!!!

'Thumbs up'

We were having so much fun we didn't want the night to end.

So we headed to Kilburn's.

Mike even sang for us.

Bobby!

Old friends, New friends, it was the perfect night.

Definitely a night to remember!!!

Thanksgiving 2013

This year we have so many things to be thankful for.  The holiday came and went so fast.  I only have 3 pictures but believe me it was packed full of fun.  On Thanksgiving Day Mark's parents and grandfather came over and we had a fish fry.  It was a great meal and easy since Mark did most of the work.  Then Saturday the whole Roberson family came back to our house for a traditional turkey meal.  The kids, including Jacob who was with us the entire holiday, had so much fun playing together.  They jumped on the trampoline, played dodge ball, we played Mexican train with grandfather and of course video games.  The week after Thanksgiving, Cort had to write an essay about his Thanksgiving.  It was a great summary of our holiday, but my favorite part was how he talked about the best rolls we had.  Julie brought them and they were big and yummy and looked like muffins!

I love how Gage is pondering.....
Jacob was our photographer.

Trampoline fun

Dodge ball

Fall Fun

Aunt Kerrie and her friend Beverly took Keaton and Cort to P6 farms.  They had a great time in the corn maze.

 

Cort and Keaton went for the first time to the Renaissance Festival with our good friends Kurt, Kathy, Cameron and Cole.

They ran into Jack Sparrow

And some really scary looking guy.

And you have to have a turkey leg at the Renaissance.
 

 

We took Gage for his first train ride to Zube park.

It is ran completely by volunteers.

So hard to get them all three to stand still, cooperate and smile.  Ha!

Poor Gage is squashed between me and Keaton.

We took a few selfies before leaving the station.

We had so much fun we rode the train a second time.  This time Gage and I sat in front.

Hold on tight!

Steam power

Choo-Choo!