Birthdays Birthdays Everywhere

The boys with the birthday crew

Auntie Laura and Aiden on the railroad tracks... JUST before the train came! Good thing Aiden said "I think I hear something" and we looked up and moved just in time...

Big boy Aiden on the big boy bike at Grammie and Dziadzu's.

Chris (L) and Aiden (R) at the town beach. We took a picture in this same spot last year. I am excited to pull it out and compare!

Thomas is taking a "peak" from Chris's behind. Don't worry Chris, someday your pants will stay up (and these are 12 month pants...)!

I feel like it might be most appropriate to write one generic post saying that we had a great weekend but it went by way too fast. Then, every weekend I could write, please refer to post #... Wouldn't that save some time? After all, has anyone ever said, the weekend went by way too slow? I really can't see that happening.

So yes, it was a super weekend. Perfect weather and a lot of good company with our amazing families but it went by far too quickly.

Thursday we had a great day with Ashley who turned one today! Happy birthday to our best little baby Ashley! We are so lucky to have you as such a very special part of our lives and we couldn't imagine our Thursdays any other way :)

Thursday night we headed to Belchertown to surprise Dziadzu on his 60th birthday. Aiden and Chris were super excited and it was a great night for all of us. Mike was able to enjoy some quiet time at home until we returned for bedtime.

Friday the boys and I were out on the town. They truly do SO much better when we stay busy. Staying inside all day doesn't work out well for any of the parties involved, so we went for a drive, went to the grocery store, went to the pet store (where they tried to get me to take a mouse or rat home..... Sorry boys I love you but have to say NO today, tomorrow and forever), and went to the beach. Yes, the beach! I know, I know, its cold... even bitter in the early mornings and the heat is officially on at the Hopkins household but we needed to burn some energy and the boys do love sand. It certainly wasn't your traditional beach visit as were bundled up in sweatshirts and jeans but we brought the boys trucks, shovels and lots of energy and off we went. The boys had a blast and we managed to sneak in a playground visit before heading home. Yes, a busy day! I was thrilled to spend the evening out with my Valley Brook friends. There were 11 ladies and we all had a great time catching up and enjoying some heavenly desserts. I have so many amazing friends that truly bring so much to our lives.

Saturday morning I spent with my mom and had a blast shopping and visiting. I came home to two happy campers who enjoyed a morning at the playground with their Daddy! Grandpa came over to help Daddy take down a dead tree and the boys and I were entertained watching. We all pitched in and had it cut up and stacked in no time. Afterward, we headed to Mamie and Grandpa's for a delicious dinner and wonderful visit. We were even lucky enough to see Great Grammie Tag! What a day!

This morning we headed to church where A & C met their new Sunday school teachers, Garrett and Sue. They had a bit of hesitation when we left (Aiden pulling the old, "don't leave me, I have to use the potty" card) but they had a great time and came home telling us all kinds of stories. After lunch we headed to Grammie and Dziadzu's for a double birthday celebration - Dziadzu turning 60 and GG Mimi turning 85! We had another great dinner and delicious birthday cake and A & C loved the excitement of it all. We loved seeing everyone and were happy to catch up with Auntie Laura and Eric. So I say, truly where did the weekend go? Too much fun that had to come to an end. Mike leaves tomorrow morning for a work retreat for 3 days so I hope for good weather and good moods! We'll be back on Wednesday to report in...