Birthday parties are too much fun!

Today was Mylie's birthday party (her actual b-day is Monday). Last year at her birthday when I was prego with Blake I discovered the joys of "not at my house parties." Last year she invited 2 friends and we went to the movies. This year she invited the same 2 friends and we went to the zoo. I made little bags for each of them. Inside there was a disposable camera, zoo stickers, a juice box and candy. Mylie informed Drake not to worry because they were bags, not purses.
But before the zoo we decided we needed lunch. Mylie's choice, of course was Carl's Jr. We had cupcakes and presents there.

Then it was off to the zoo. There was a good chance of rain today but we totally lucked out and it wasn't too bad. This is right before we went in, right after I gave them their bags, which they thought were pretty cool!

The camera idea was a total hit! They loved taking pictures of all the animals (and each other). Mylie has had disposable cameras before, but the other 2 couldn't figure out where the pictures were. It was so cute, they kept looking at the back of the camera waiting for the pictures to appear. I had to explain to them their moms had to take the cameras to WalMart to get the pictures out.

Blake was pretty bundled up, but no complaints from him.

So stinking cute! Alicia, I wish I would have had my camera out when they were walking and holding hands.

Mylie was puckering up to lay one on the penguin ...

but then decided that a hug would do.

"Say cheese Mom!"

They had so much fun, they didn't even complain about the cold.

This one just made me laugh.

This was right before we all got back in the car. (You should see how 3 booster seats look in my backseat. Yikes!) They all were yelling "This is the best day of my life!" Awwwww.

It was such a great party and I know that Mylie had a spectacular time. All 3 kids were so well behaved, it was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with them. She definitely has good friends.

The Breach Family, A Musical

So I am quite certain that Mylie's singing and "song writing" skills come from Jeff. For example, this morning, Blake was napping, Jeff and Mylie were watching TV in our room and I was taking a bath. Mylie kept coming in and out to talk to me. I finally asked her if I could please have some privacy. A few minutes later the door opens again, but no one came in. Instead I hear Jeff and Mylie singing.

"It's a hard knock life for Mom,
It's a hard knock life for Mom.
She gets no privacy,
Cuz she lives with Mylie.
It's a hard knock life."

Drama girl.

First a little background ... Mylie is totally into musicals, "Mary Poppins," "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," so Jeff suggested that we put "Annie" on our Netflix list. We got it on Wednesday and have probably watched it 4 times by now. Mylie picks up on songs quickly.

Fast forward to today. Mylie was having a naughty day (I know, I know, hard to believe) and spent a good deal of time in her room. The last time was after having her mouth washed out with soap (I learned from the master, ha ha). I was so frustrated and she was so mad to be in her room. I expected to hear her yell that she wanted to come out, but instead in a defeated voice I hear,

"The sun will come out tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow
There'll be sun.
Tomorrow, tomorrow
I love ya tomorrow
You're only a day away!"

I laughed so hard and even typing it now I am giggling. I have said it before, but this kid definitely makes me laugh. I wonder where she gets her dramatic flair from. Jeff maybe?

"Mom, are you going boating again today?

is what Mylie asked me first thing this morning. I was a bit confused but a few moments later I realized she was asking me if I was going to vote today. Yesterday I explained to her that Daddy and I were voting, that we live in a country where the grown-ups get to decide who the president will be. Of course she is only 4, but I hope some of this sticks. See, growing up I always remember that my parents voted. We didn't talk about politics a lot as a family, but I know that they took voting very seriously. Even this year, with all their kids grown, my Mom sent us all an email reminding us that voting is a privilege and we need to exercise our right to vote.

We are so blessed to live in this country where we as citizens can choose who our leaders will be. It wasn't so long ago that women could not vote, that African Americans could not vote ... and look, this year, both a woman and an African American were contenders. The United States in an amazing place. Regardless of who you voted for, I hope you voted. The fact that so many people turned out to vote is inspiring to me. I have read different numbers, but one source said it was the biggest voter turnout in 80 years. It is inspiring to live in a country where people are not apathetic. Instead of just complaining about what they didn't like in the country, people got out and voted for the candidate of their choice.

It appears that through this election many people felt mobilized. People were willing to volunteer for campaign efforts, willing to wait hours to vote. I hope people hold onto this feeling. I hope people find a call to service within them. I hope people will become more involved in their communities, more proactive about issues that are important to them. You don't have to be a politician to be an activist or to have a cause. That is just one more amazing thing about this country. I am very proud to call myself an American!

Blake at 9 months

Blakey's 9 month birthday resulted in a trip to the doctor, but not for a routine check-up. Poor little dude has had a cold and a rash, and then he had a really high fever all weekend. I took him in this morning and Bubba has an ear infection. He is on antibiotics and hopefully that will do the trick.

They took his measurements while we were there. He is 29.5 inches long and 21 pounds and 9 oz. Don't you love his goofy little smile with his 4 teeth? He is sure a happy little dude, when he is healthy ... but it has been a long 3 nights ... with not much sleep for Blake, Jeff or I. Hopefully we will all sleep better tonight!

He has sure been a joy to have in our family. He loves to crawl all over and is figuring out how to crawl up the stairs (and fall down them, resulting in us putting the gate up). He is a Momma's boy, he loves to snuggle me, which is OK because I am *slightly* in love with him too. He still looks just like his Daddy and Mylie is his best bud. We love our little family of four.

Oh Mylie!

Some stories ...

• On Halloween we were driving and Mylie asked what I was dressed up as. I replied, "A Mom." She paused for a few minutes while thinking and then said, "I know what you can be! A Mom witch!" Hmmmm, check.
• Yesterday morning, Jeff found her in the pantry with the door closed eating her Halloween candy. Ha ha.

Do fairies get any cuter than this?

I don't think so.

There was a warning for bears around our neighborhood too!