November 27, 2010: A Belated Birthday

For John's birthday, I wasn't able to get him what I had wanted--and what I thought HE wanted. So a few weeks later, my favorite spa had a special, so I was finally able to get John what he had always wanted: a massage! But even better, it was buy one, get one free, so I got one too! I also scheduled pedicures.

It was the day before the big surprise and he said to me, "I'm okay with whatever it might be, as long as it's not a massage." What??? The whole time we've been married, he has always said that he wanted one. And now, when I finally have this great surprise ready, he said he doesn't want one? I assured him that he would love it and that there was also going to be a pedicure, hoping that would lessen the anxiety.

He was relieved to find that we were in the same room, and that since it was only 30 minutes, they would only work back and shoulders. It was no gen-teel massage. In fact, both of us were pretty sore for a few days. Next was the pedicure, which he really enjoyed. In fact, I think if there's another BOGO on them, we'll go back.

After our spa day, I took him to one of my favorite restaurants: Spark. It was a great way to spend the day.

Birthdays

Since Griffin's birthday is mid-week and John's is while we are in PA, I decided that today was the day to celebrate them both. Griffin had his party between conference sessions. It was a "Bakugan vs. Star Wars" party with my friend, Cherise, once again decorating the cake. She truly is gifted! Although she will say it was a team effort, I only baked the cake and filled and frosted it. She handpainted it with the characters and molded the fondant on top into Darth Vader.(Okay, Blogger and I are having a tug-of-war uploading pictures, so they are all in the wrong order.)

John was taking pictures of the cake with my camera and I just couldn't resist the opportunity to give him his first present: a Canon Rebel. He started snapping his own pictures around the house while I coralled the kids in and outside and then prepped the cake for candles.

He'll get his second present tonight after I pick it up from Salt Lake. Here's hoping he likes his second one as much as the first!

Maggie's Sweet 16 Party

Now, this was downright boring compared to anything you've ever seen on MTV. But for our standards, it was pretty upscale. We decided that rather interrup the family for six hours, it would be best to have it in a different location. I had heard of this place called "Noah's" and decided that this was a perfect opportunity to take advantage of its facilities. After reviewing things with Mags (who she wanted to invite and what she wanted to do), to quote Brigham Young "This [was] the place."

We started gathering together at 4:30 and were at the room by a little after 5. The room was perfect, but even better was the fact that we had the entire place to ourselves--not that we would use the other rooms, but we wouldn't be disturbing other people.

First up on the agenda was food. We got our food from the local Bajio restaurant (awesome Mexican) and brought it back so they could enjoy some homemade (non-alcoholic, obviously) margaritas. While they ate, they watched "She's the Man" on the big screen. I had set up a little area for them to fill chinese take-out boxes with a selection of movie candies.

After the movie, they played some pool.

Then they set up Rock Band. And oh, my goodness, I did not know that seven people could be that loud. It was at that very moment that I was grateful that we weren't in our house.

Around 9:30, we figured it was time to break out the cake and presents. Her friends made it clear that the more off-key they sang, the more they loved her. Again, there was much gratitude that no one else was in the building. They must love her an awful lot!

As happens with store-bought cakes in dramatic colors, the icing stains everything. Maggie is a perfect example.

They all agreed that it was a great night. We were home by 11 and I was pooped! Happy birthday, Mags!

Maggie's 16!

Say it isn't so! Miss Maggie Mae turned 16 today. We celebrated tonight as a family with chicken tetrazini for dinner and the family favorite drizzle cake for dessert. Tomorrow night is her big party at My Noah's, so I'm sure there will be MUCH more to post then. For now, here are a couple of blurry pictures for you to enjoy. I thought they were great at the time, but upon review, was disappointed. (And no, she doesn't have her license. That will come in time, I'm sure.)

What a Way to Celebrate Your Birthday!

A few weeks ago we received in the mail a clever invitation from my nephew, Chris Griesemer, for a combination birthday and olympic celebration. Being a lucky boy born on 8/8/80, he got to celebrate his 28th birthday with the rest of the world through the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. So he invited some family and friends over to celebrate with him. This was no ordinary party, but was complete with activities for all ages and sizes!

Ellie with Dallin, Chris and Andrea's 2 year old son.

Getting ready for a little healthy competition

Talking to his mom (my sister, Kim) who's in Quito, Ecuador

Some of us gathered inside once the ceremonies started and were amazed by the "creative portion" as Bob Costas said of the Opening Ceremonies. Once it was time for the parade of nations, Andrea thought it was the best time to do the cake and presents!

Blowing out the candles in one blow

I think we should get one of these so the girls can duke out their battles
Either Ellie was too small for the suit, or the suit was too big for her

In case you didn't notice, there was blue icing on the cake

Ellie said it was the best party she's ever been to. Thanks to Andrea and her family for the delicious food and wonderful company!