Ben's Birthday Party / Sleep-over

Ben's Birthday was actually June 20, but our summer has been so busy that we've been unable to have a birthday party for him. Since we had a pretty big combined birthday for Ben & Will last year - we did something smaller this year. Ben invited 3 friends and we went bowling, went to McDonald's and then home for a sleep-over. 

Our theme this year: Super Mario Bros

Here's Ben's invite (I took out personal information : )

And what party doesn't have goody bags, right?

Inside each goody bag: a Super Mario Bros water jug, 1 pkg of Super Mario Bros gummies, a thank you card from Ben, and the costume for the evening: a red or green shirt; and either a Luigi hat or Mario Hat (made by ME : ) with a moustache. I ordered the hats from Oriental Trading and got felt from Hobby Lobby to make the white circles, the "L" or "M" and the moustache. Super easy and the kids loved it.

The costumes were a BIG hit! The boys loved them!

left to right (Caleb, Chris, Ben, Andy, and Will).

One of Ben's friends couldn't make it, so he had two friends from school.

Having the colored shirts also made it easier to keep up with the boys and spot them at the bowling alley. Although they were all very good - it was great to be able to look and see green and red shirts : )

My sweet 8 yr old BIRTHDAY boy, relaxing : )

Will, stopping to smile, while waiting for the games to begin

(Chris & Caleb in the background : )!

My awsesome babysitter (and friend), Jamie, explaining to the boys about bowling. I love her and am so thankful for her and all she does for our family!

Jamie, demonstrating to Ben, the proper technique : )

A little fuzzy but .... Ben, Caleb, Chris & Will (moustaches ended up on their shirts. too cute!)

Ben with his souvenoir bowling pin that all the boys (and girls) signed.

Sweet Andy sporting Jamie's shades : )

Jenna and Andy.

Jenna came along to take care of Andy. They stayed in the arcade most of the time and had a great time. So thankful Jenna was there. I was able to be with Ben and the boys and not stress about Andy.

Me and my boys

(Ben, Andy and Will)

It took a lot to just get this. It's hard to shoot a moving target : )

After bowling, we had a little arcade fun.

(Caleb, Chris & Ben)

Ben on the motorcycle game (he looks very intent, doesn't he?)

Andy on the motorcycle game

(I looked over and he was playing this on his knees. SO cute!)

After bowling and the arcade we went to McDonald's for dinner and to let the boys play. It was a great way to let them run around and exert some more of that energy all young boys are full of : )

Ben's sovernoir bowling pin and the Mario & Luigi hats I made. I am very proud of them.

I think they turned out pretty cute.

This morning - the boys are up early, playing Wii and enjoying their time together. Only Chris ended up spending the night. Caleb had a family committment today - so his mom picked him up late last night. All in all - it was a great birthday celebration. Everyone had fun and really enjoyed themselves.

Breakfast time for the boys. David made eggs, sausage, biscuits, and English Tea (a normal breakfast for the weekend).

Ben, Chris, Will & Andy : )

Happy 8th Birthday, my Dear, Sweet Ben! I love you!

Happy Wedding Day Grace & Doug!

Wedding party w/Grace & Doug. Aren't we cute?

Today, my great friend, Grace married the man of her dreams in a beautiful afternoon ceremony. The wedding was perfect from every detail! It turned out so beautifully. I have never seen her so happy. I am thrilled for her and so excited for what life will bring her and her new husband.

Here's me and Grace. I love LOVE her so much!

Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day, Grace. I am honored!

David and I. Isn't my husband handsome?

After the wedding, David and I went to dinner with Misty and Nacho. We went to Desperados. One of MY favorite places. We had a great time! And then after dinner, David and I stayed in the Magnolia Hotel in downtown. Our neighbors kept the boys overnight (it was our Christmas gift) for us! It was the perfect day!

Grace's Bachelorette Party (2 of 2) .....

We didn't do the typical Bachelorette Party - as Grace didn't want that. We did her bachelorette party - in two outings. The first was dinner and drinks ( http://wilke-family.blogspot.com/2010/07/graces-bachelorette-party-1-of-2.html), and the second was mani/pedi's the day before the wedding.
We had a great time getting pampered and relaxing before the big day!

The glowing Bride enjoying her pedicure....

Grace, Rhonda and I

Grace getting her nails beautiful for her big day ....

Me getting my nails done .....

This was a place that Grace and Rhonda have visited before. It was a nice place, and the hostess was a riot. Great entertainment and made the day a lot of fun!

Congrats to you Grace! Only a few more days! YEA!!!

Happy 4th of July!

On the 4th of July we went over to Misty and Nacho's house. They had a cook-out, we swam and popped lots of fireworks. We had a great time this year! The boys have never lit fireworks or even seen them close-up. They were so excited about being able to pop fireworks and swim : )

Will playing w/a swim toy

Andy playing w/the fish

Ben : )

Will playing w/kids....

David and Andy on the stairs and Misty's family all in the pool.

Greg's brother, Greg, Shannon, Courtney, and Zach

Nacho and David : )

David and my boys eating.

My niece, Chelsea, was staying w/me for the weekend so she came along too : )

Me and my BFF, Misty.

I love LOVE her!

Misty & Nacho's house and pool (from the other direction)

Their home is so beautiful!

A group photo. Took me awhile to convince everyone they had to be in the photo and that I wouldn't take no for an answer : ) They should know, anytime there's a party and I am around - there will be a group photo :) You can see everyone except Andy. He's on the 2nd row, behind Misty's daughter.

David popping fireworks w/the boys.

Misty helping Ben and Andy w/the sparklers.

The house next door to Misty & Nacho's shot off huge amounts of fireworks. It was really pretty spectacular! Everyone loved it! We had so much fun! So glad we got to spend this time w/our dear friends. Thanks for having us over guys! We love you! We can't wait for next year and to make this as one of our traditions!

Happy Independence Day!

Grace's Bachelorette Party (1 of 2)....

My great friend, Grace, is getting married July 10 and I am in her wedding - standing up for her. I am so happy for her and so honored to be in her wedding.

And what wedding doesn't have a bachelorette party? Grace didn't want to do anything to crazy or wild so we had a 2 part bachelorette party. The first was just dinner out.... we headed to TGI Friday's - our normal gathering when we meet.

MEET MRS. LOWERY

Isn't she cute?

We had to pose, of course.

Chelsea (my neice was staying w/me so she came along), me, Grace (the Bride), Rhonda, and Kayla (Rhonda's daughter) 

Me and Grace : )

Chelsea and I : )

We had a fun time celebrating Grace and her marrying the man of her dreams!

Part 2 will be the day before the wedding for mani and pedi's. See you then!

Early 4th of July with Eric, Erica & Sweet Eli

We try and get together as much as we can with Eric's family. It usually ends up being once every couple of months and we love hanging out w/them. We usually cook food and just play.

Here's Uncle Bubba, Ben and Eli playing catch.

The boys love when Uncle Bubba comes over to play with them. 

Eric and Eli

"BEER!"

 "Yes, BEER!"

Andy playing on his roller coaster.

Will playing golf

More playing catch .....

Ben's so sweet to Eli. He just loves him so much.

All done w/golf ....

 Yummy, turkey burgers ...

My niece, Chelsea, was over this weekend hanging with her favorite aunt : )

Nice, Chelsea..... nice!

Chelsea and Erica in chairs.

Andy on roller coaster.

And Eli, Ben & Eric playing catch.



We had a great time as usual. Hopefully when the weather cools down, we can get together more.

Hanging out with Uncle Bubba's family...

We love the time that we get to spend with Eric and his family. We've really missed them so we are thankful for more opportunities to hang out. We grilled out and let the boys run crazy and spend time together. My boys absolutely LOVE Eli. They talk about him non-stop and can't wait for him to come again. So they were thrilled he was here to play w/them. I love that Eli's getting more comfortable with us and acts as though he's at home when he's here. It's nice!

My niece, Chelsea, (actually she's my cousin-n-law, but I feel like her Aunt and that's what she and her 2 siblings call me) was here staying the weekend with me - so she got to be part of the fun! : )

In picture: Eric, Erica, me, Chelsea, David, Eli, Andy, Ben & Will