A whole LOT of Santa's this year

We have seen more than a handful of Santa's this year.  We first saw Santa at the MOA, then at Southdale, then gave him a big hug at Bachmann's, saw both Mr. & Mrs. Claus at Choo Choo Bobs and had a long conversation with Santa bout his reindeer at White Castle.

HO HO HO

I hope Santa Claus is good to all of you!  

Vegas Baby - a trip that was way overdue

Jeff and I got away together, just the two of us, for a quick weekend to Las Vegas.  It happened to be just as the weather here was getting pretty cold.  We soaked up the 75 degree weather everyday we were there.  Nana and Bumpa agreed to watch Caswell while we were gone.  I am not sure who had more fun.  It was nice. They had something special planned for him everyday to do.  Jeff and I had  wonderful time.  It had been over 5 years since the 2 of us have gotten away.  Never again  are we waiting that long.  We did some sight seeing.  I love seeing what the Bellagio has displayed in their conservatory.  It was still decorated for fall and was pretty amazing.  We walked passed a chocolate store that had a life size Grinch made from chocolate and a beautiful chocolate fountain.  We had pretty good while we were there and did some shopping of course.  We went and saw Zumanity, which was fabulous and after that we went to a movie (Bad Grandpa).  Another night we saw, Michael Jackson, a live tribute.  We stayed up way too late but most of all enjoyed those few days just the two of us.  The best part is Jeff and I are not big gamblers at all.  We try and a play a little but end up losing it.  On our way to the movie theatre we stopped at Nathan's to pick up some hot dogs for a quick snack.  As I was ordering our food, I looked down and out of the corner of my eye I see a $100 bill crimped up lying next to Jeff's foot.  I nudged Jeff and said pretty softly but fast, "Jeff, left foot, pick it up and put it in your pocket".  He asked me a few times did that really just happen? and he wanted to take it out and look at it and I said not here, not now.  Now I have to admit I felt a little sorry at first but there was no one else around except for another couple that had just ordered.  I thought for a second we could ask if they dropped it but then again yeah of course they could have all of sudden dropped it. I then thought it you can afford to crumple up a $100 bill in your pocket like that, you can probably then afford to lose it.  Vegas is always fun as it is always changing.  It is just an easy place to visit for a quick weekend away and you are guaranteed to have lots of fun.  Thanks Babe for a wonderful time.  Now lets not wait another 5+ years to go do that again.

A walk in the woods

It was a gorgeous fall day out.  

 Jeff's Senior Picture - some 23 years later.  

Caswell's 3rd Birthday!

We had a great birthday party at our house.  I made Caswell's invites and cake again this year.   He requested a dinosaur party so that is what he got.  We had lots of great food, family and a few friends, birthday bags and a piñata.  Caswell was so surprised when he walked into his house and saw the 4 foot tall dinosaur waiting for him.  That thing almost killed me - well actually Jeff wanted to kill me after he was the smart one to use his bike pump to blow it up.  Caswell of course scored lots of great presents.  The party was in the afternoon so the rest of the evening we spent playing with all of his new toys.  He is one lucky little boy.  I am not sure how he got to be 3 already though.

 The ABC Boys - Brandon, Caswell and Axel had the most fun jumping in Caswell's bed.  

 Happy Birthday Caswell - he blew out his candles several times.  

Mama and Daddy with their birthday boy.  

The boys had so much fun swinging at the dino piñata.  It was a hoot watching them swing that bat with all their might.  It took an awful lot to break that thing open.

 He had lots of helps to help open presents.  Caswell knows how to rip right into them.  He was pretty conent with playing what he opened up so it took him quite a long time to open his other presents.  

 Caswell loved his fireman coat and accessories from Uncle Stevie.  

Can you spot Caswell anywhere?  I think the dino took over his bed.

After all of our guests left, Caswell enjoyed playing with all of his presents.  

The Switch N Go Dino from Auntie, Uncle and Cousin B is his favorite.  He sat and played with that on the kitchen counter for 45 minutes.  Here he is tuckered out with him but not letting him leave his side.  

 

Thanks to all for a wonderful 3rd birthday celebration.  

Como Zoo Boo

We ordered tickets on line to try this out this year.  It had been raining earlier but we still decided to head out and see what this was all about.  We took the shuttle over from the State Fair.  The shuttles are all wrapped like an animal.  It was a pretty slick way to get there and back.  Como Zoo was decorated and had tons of costumed characters throughout the park to see.  They gave out a few treats, had a fire truck to walk through, games and Radio Disney to dance with.  Caswell had a great time.  Caswell wore his dinosaur costume that Nana got him on clearance last year after Halloween.  He loved it all and made a pretty cute dino.