Benny's Birthday Party

Today we had a little birthday party for Benny and his friends.  We referred to this party as the "kid party".  This distinction was needed because this was the third time we celebrated Benjamin's birthday.  The other celebrations included the "family party" and birthday dinner at Chuck E Cheese.  (I need to have three celebrations when my birthday rolls around!)

The kids had a great time and it was an easy party to plan for.  A couple of crafts, a game or two and cupcakes and ice cream was all that was needed.  Here are some pictures from the day:

The cupcakes.

Snacks.

Cake and ice cream all around.

A game of pin the part on the snowman.

Don't peak.

Present frenzy!

A group effort.

Erin - in her pretty party clothes.

Chuck E Cheese

Benny asked to go to Chuck E Cheese for his birthday.  We decided against having a party there and instead went for a family dinner on Monday night.  Uncle Colin joined us too!  

George and Benny racing.

Drive fast!

 

Hold on tight!

The pizza was really good.

This game reminded me of a Vegas slot machine.  I love Vegas!

 

Jacob and Uncle Colin.

Taking no prisoners!

Celebrating with the Family

We had the family over on Sunday to celebrate Benny's birthday.  (Sorry you were sick Aunt Stacy!)  The day consisted of a birthday brunch, Guitar Hero and Nerf Gun Wars.  What else could a 6 year old want?  Here are some pictures from the day:

The boys and Grampy.

Jacob being extra nice to Ben - given that there were presents involved!

Grandma as the lead singer on Guitar Hero.

Grandma and Grandpa.

Private Jacob.

Ice Cream Cake!

Benny and his "natural" smile!

Grammy taking it all in.

Aunt Michele and the boys.

The Nerf Gun Crew...

And the happy couple...

Happy Birthday Benny!

Benny turns six today!   What a big boy he is!

Nine Zero

George and I had a night out in Boston on Friday.  We stayed at a great hotel - the Nine Zero on Tremont Street.  It was very nice - one of the best we've ever stayed at.  Apparently Tom Brady and other celebrities like to stay there too but we did not see anyone famous.  

We met up with friends to see the UNH hockey team play Boston University.  Before the game we had dinner at the Boston Beerworks.  After watching UNH lose 5 - 0 we headed to Pizzeria Uno for a few post-game drinks.  

Here are a couple pictures of the hotel and once of George and I at the game:

The hotel's lobby - they were having a complimentary wine reception when we checked in and after twice refusing a glass of wine we finally said yes when the third person asked us!

The guest rooms.

At the UNH-BU hockey game - surrounded by happy BU fans!

Snowbird

I put up a couple of bird feeders last weekend and have become obsessed with waiting and watching to see what birds have been visiting the feeders.  Each day more and more birdseed disappears but I have not gotten a good look at the birds who actually stop by.  Today a cute little bird ventured out in the snow...

I bet this bird wishes he flew south for the winter!

Too much snow!

Avalanche!

The walls of snow around our driveway are getting pretty high.  Yesterday while George was snowblowing, a section of the hill came rushing down causing a mini-avalanche.  I captured the scene from inside the warm, cozy house.

Look out below!

Sizing up the situation.

 

Cleaning up the mess.

Happy Birthday Colin!

My brother-in-law, the famous Colin Cook, turns 28 today!  Happy Birthday!  Have a fun day Colin but don't be a ruiner!

Uncle Colin and the boys!

Benny's Mac-n-Cheese

Benny wanted to help out making mac-n-cheese the other day.  He asked to "pour the yellow stuff" into the pot.   Here are a couple pictures of the aspiring chef!

Stirring.  (Somehow a glass of wine also got into the picture!)

Smiling for the camera.

"New Glasses"

On Friday night George's eye glasses broke.  On Saturday we went to George's eye doctor and after some waiting and back-and-forth they were able to rig up a new pair for him.   

Today at work I got an email from George with the subject "New Glasses".  I opened the email and saw this:

Really, what can I say?  I married him ladies!

Fun in the Snow!

The boys tried out their new sleds on the hill behind our house.  The sleds worked well on the small hill and they were able to generate some speed.  We also let Ripley off her leash for the first time while outside.   She did well and did not run away!  I was a bit nervous and prayed she would not run in the road.  George took it in stride and was not as worried.  Here are some pictures:

Going down the hill.

Smooth landing.

And George...

Ripley watching it all.

Back on her leash.

Another run.

Up they go!

Ben hit Jacob with the sled and lost video games for a day!

All is well.

Back on Schedule

The holiday break is officially over and we are all back to work and school.  We had an excellent holiday and enjoyed our time off, but there are some benefits to returning to a normal routine.  The first one that comes to mind is getting away from the endless supply of cookies, snacks, candy and other festive treats.  Did anyone else have cookies for lunch?  

Here are a few pictures of us putting away the Christmas decorations and getting the house back to normal.

  

Cleaning up the Gingerbread Houses.

Careful with those teeth!

George's contribution to the effort - he was very helpful!

Pleased with our progress. (I wore that sweater for at least 3 days in a row over break!)

Benny enjoying breakfast and Jacob's new "Rush Hour" game.  It is a hard brain teaser game and I think Benny is better at it than me!

You win the game by moving the cars and allowing the red car to drive out the opening to the left.  Very difficult!