everything nicole

Thanks

Today, I am thankful for my friends and family (duh).  Here's some pictures from my birthday to show just how fantastic some of them are. 
Randy's missing from too many of these pictures, only because he's too special & I'm extra thankful for him (and my other friends and family who are missing).  Happy Turkey Day!  xoxo

PS - If you click on the pic you will see Renee too.  I didn't cut her out on purpose, I just can't figure out how to center the *&%$ thing. 

The Party Never Ends

So here's how my birthday bash went down.  We left for the beach Thursday afternoon.  I made sure to look cute, just in case there happened to be a birthday surprise waiting for me when we got there.  When we pulled into the campground, I kept my eyes peeled for a car I would recognize or someone who was on the lookout for the birthday girl.  Around bedtime I asked Randy, "No surprise party, huh?"  He just smiled and said no.  And I was okay with that.  My 30th birthday in a beautiful place with my sweet family. 
I woke up the next morning and decided to start the first day of my 30th year on this earth with a run.  As I ran away from the campsite, I looked everywhere for someone, anyone who would give up the surprise that wasn't a surprise.  On the way back, I thought great, they're really good at this and now they're going to surprise me all post-run sweaty.  But no one was there.  Maybe I was wrong?  Where is this surprise party I was so sure was going to happen? 
Turns out the party showed up a few hours later.  First David tumbled out of his motorhome, followed by Sarah and Kristal.  Then Becky and Renee pulled in, and Reuben and Nate arrived on their bikes a few hours later.  There was in fact, a fabulous birthday celebration, complete with Over the Hill decor and a super-yummy cake.  I have some of the most amazing friends ever.  The kind that would drive up to eight hours to spend my birthday with me.  Even though I'm the kind of friend that notoriously forgets birthdays and sends cards a month too late.  Maybe in the next thirty years I'll figure out how to be a friend like the ones I have!  xoxo

No Quitter

My Georgian friend Rachael's blog has dropped off of the blogosphere (or maybe it's just my computer).  When I told Randy that I was a little worried about her, he responded, "Maybe she's joined a 12-step program.  You know, like Bloggers Anonymous."  xoxo

Update in Pictures

I uploaded pictures from my camera to my computer the other day & realized that I had 75 pictures that I hadn't shared with you!  I'll start today with the pictures from Mike & Natasha's wedding.  It's pictures like these that remind me what a fantastic photographer I truly am. 

The Bride, her dad and some lady's hair. 

Groomsman Randy

Pretty view!

Pretty bridesmaids!

The happy couple with Bridgie. 

Randy.  What else can I say. 

Tomorrow, bath time pictures.  Of the Girls, not me or Randy (I know, you're disappointed.)  xoxo

Dress Up

My friend Kimi & I were watching American Idol while the kids played upstairs yesterday.  Apparently they had been playing dress up.  Riley came down the stairs first.  When questioned about his outfit, he said he could only wear it because his daddy wasn't home. 
"Are you a pretty princess?"
"No, I'm the daddy." [Pointing to his blue crown as proof.]  Such a handsome little princess. 

xoxo

February

February is going to be a busy month & this time it started early.  Hence, I haven't posted in weeks.  At least I left you with a cute picture.  Here's what we've been up to:

• My Grandparents came & stayed with us the last weekend in January to surprise my dad for his birthday. 
• GracieGirl & I went on her first plane trip over the weekend to Phoenix to visit my friend Wendy. 
• The airport gave me a cold. 
• Gracie's THIRD birthday is tomorrow!  We're not having a party, but we are going to do cake & ice cream with grandparents. 
• Valentine's Day is coming, followed by our 7th anniversary.  I'd like to do something special for Randy for both, but I have no ideas - suggestions?

We had so much fun with Wendy & my Grandparents.  I started to post pictures, but got sidetracked & am now archiving my photos (way over due).  Cute pictures & anecdotes ahead, I promise!  xoxo

It's Gonna Be a Good One

We had a few friends over for New Years Eve this year.  As the clock struck midnight, I realized what an eventful year this has been.  I won't bore you with the details (that's what the archives are for), but we are so blessed to be living this life we lead. 
A few of our friends brought their kids with them, so GracieGirl had her first sleepover.  I never thought it would possible for two two-year olds would be able to fall asleep in the same room! 

While the kiddies slept, we got to play with my dad's new Wii, complete with boxing and bowling tournaments.

Lots of fun!  xoxo

Playin' Around

GracieGirl has her very first playdate on Friday.  I feel a little funny about this whole "playdate" thing.  She's played with other kids before, but it was never called a "playdate."  I'm not quite sure how exactly a playdate works, we didn't have them when I was growing up (and I'm not that old).  How does this whole thing work?  Is it really just a fancy name for getting the kids together to play?  The other little girl's mother has offered to watch the girls first, and then I'm going to watch them next week.  How long will Gracie stay at her little friend's house?  Do I have to have something planned  when the girls come over here, or can they just do their thing?  If I do, I'm so doing this (because I'd love some homemade ice cream).  Would having them do housework be out of the question?  What if I made it really really fun housework?  xoxo

May I Ask Who's Calling, Please?

Saw one of my old friends from elementary school today.  I haven't talked to him in years, but it was so great to hear that he's doing well & has three beautiful little girls of his own. 
I also learned that he has seen this little blogging thing I've been doing.  Which begs the question:  who else visits me here that I don't know about?  So, roll call, please raise your hand & state your name for the record.  xoxo

Like Rockstars

Went to a Bachelorette party last night at Howl at the Moon. 
Click the photo to see more of what we did:

Here's pictures of what GracieGirl did with my dad (the photo-taker) while I was out:

xoxo