Oma and Opa Visit and the Big Birthday Bash

Oma and Opa came to visit with us for a few weeks at the end of August and into September. As always, we loved having them here, they were super helpful, and the kids adored having so much attention.

Their visit was timed so that they could be here for Mason's 1st birthday, but there was so much more going on than just a party.....

A House Decision
Before Oma and Opa arrived, Frank and I explored the idea of selling our current house and moving into something with one more room and one more bath. Everyone's doing it right?? Through lots (and lots and lots) of discussions and some dreaming, we listed what we didn't like about our own house and visited a few larger ones on more acreage that were for sale in the area. We looked at a farm with a 70 year-old house and tobacco barns and a pond, and viewed some other houses in person and online. Nothing was move-in ready and safe and affordable. I could envision Maddie running into the road and Mason sinking in the catfish pond. Don't even get me started on the hazards of old tobacco barns.

Frank and I definitely have some different views on what we might like to live in next, but we both agreed that selling now did not make sense for us. So we decided to make our house more functional. This included painting the inside (finally!!), remodeling the downstairs 1/2 bath, and tearing out the carpet in the living room and finally putting down hardwoods. We rearranged some furniture downstairs and made a larger play space for all of us.

Frank told me I was nutty to try to have it all done before the party, but I was and we did. All those project management skills finally paid off! We love all the changes. Our house feels cozier and roomier and the kids love the extra space. Did I mention it's easier to keep clean? It is.

Having Oma and Opa here to lend a hand through all the craziness was key. We couldn't have gotten the house ready without them. I don't think they rested much while they were here, but they spent a lot of time with the kids and I guess that's why they keep coming back (smile!).

Par-tay Time

I wanted to have a party for both Mason and Frank's birthday milestones. Frank: 40; Mason: 1. Toss into the mix that my Daddy had his own milestone birthday this year -- the big 65, and it was time to party!

On Mason's actual birthday, we let him open a few presents. Here he is in jammies opening his first card....it's a fold out and I don't think he knew what to do with it. He was so funny.



Oma and Opa always give nice wooden German toys. Mason figured out pretty quickly that the balls went in the openings. The hammer didn't really work as well, but he was thrilled with the game he made up for himself.

A family photo. Notice that Mason is eager to get back to the ball game.

Setting up for the party. I was amazed and delighted that so many of my family drove from the coast to visit and share the day with us. It was awesome, even if it did rain...



Lots and lots and lots of cakes. I think it was safe to say that there was no cake wasted!

The birthday boy was not excited about the cake or candle.

In fact, he was quite upset. He cried until we took the cake away. He wouldn't even eat a slice. We tried again for days to get him to eat cake -- he wouldn't even touch it. He started crying whenever we put even a tiny piece on his tray. This kid will not even eat a cookie. Although I tricked him last night and told him I had some chicken and raisin cookie. He ate and ate and ate it. I was pretty pleased with myself. But the question remains, why is he afraid of cake?

At the party, opening the many, many presents and cards he received. We have such generous friends and family. Mason loves his presents and plays with all of them every day! Really, he does!

What I don't have a photo of is the pile of "presents" for Frank. It seemed like everyone brought him a six-pack of beer. The entire counter was FULL of beer for Frank. It was hilarious. He loved it!

And although it wasn't Maddie's birthday, she received a lot of presents also. She definitely didn't feel left out, and kept saying, "This is the best birthday EVER!"

Post party after all the guests left, we discovered an entire unopened serving tray of fried chicken legs. That's what happens when you order too much food! Maddie was in chicken leg heaven and just started walking through the house gnawing on her chicken leg. This photo cracks me up!

Time to Rest and Relax

The next day, we rested and visited our favorite local park, Yates Mill Pond. Hiking around the lake was fun and relaxing. Maddie and I added to our leaf collection. Mason had a great time hiking on Frank's back! He is such a happy boy!

Oma and Maddie throw stones in the pond.

Chillin' with Oma during a restful afternoon in the backyard. I'm not sure where Mason's diaper ends and his tummy begins in this photo. Opa taught Mason to point to his belly on command. Nice trick to impress the ladies!

Opa was lead swing-pusher during the birthday party and most of the next day. Heck, I think Opa stayed in this position for the better part of his stay with us...

Mason gets in on the swinging action...wow, look at that glare from Maddie. What's that about? Sharing is caring, right?

I love this shirt on Maddie and asked her to sit on the step for a photo. Frank and I aren't sure how we made such beautiful babies. No cheesy smiles, just all Maddie.

Painting time. Mason can now pull up to the paint easel tray and loves, I mean loves, to paint. With or without Maddie, he often crawls over, gets the brush in his hand, and mimics painting.

Here they collaborate on a Scholle masterpiece.

Maddie said her painting was of a dark cloudy sky. Not sure what Mason's vision was.