Low Key Week

Hard to believe it, but we had a pretty low-key, routine week. Landon decided he wanted spiky hair for church last Sunday. Once he got there, however, he wanted it back flat.

Eliza managed to keep her hair band on for a little bit longer than usual.

The local kids had winter break, and we had some snow, but we also had sun, so the snow melted. We enjoyed a brisk mix of sun and cloud throughout the week and even got a bike ride in. 

Hallie and Mike spent a few evenings watching Downton Abbey on PBS's streaming video channel (Internet TV, how we do love you!). As with many media trends, we were vaguely aware of the show, but we never got around to seeing it until now. Had we known Hallie's dad was such a fan, we might have tried to have a viewing party or two via Skype or IM.

Speaking of PBS, Hallie and Eliza did end up making it onto the "Discover the D" TV show. 

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They're at the end of this segment about the new "Driving America" exhibit at the Henry Ford Museum. 

Mike taught Landon about rockets and balance boards using stuff we scrounged about for around the house. We had so much fun we forgot to get any pictures! Maybe next time.

Eliza has enjoyed her birthday presents, including a cute talking dog from Sean, Jen, and their kids . . .

. . . and some new clothes from Aunt Carly, Uncle Shad, and Cousin Cru.

Valentine and Other Plans That Did Not Quite Go As Intended

Our neighbor Dawn sewed Eliza a dress for her birthday. We love all the little details!

Hallie, Landon, and Eliza went to the Henry Ford museum for Macy’s 2nd Monday, where they got to play at the newly renovated automobile exhibit. 

Mike had dinner with his colleagues and a potential new hire at Mario’s Italian Restaurant, a classic eatery in Midtown. On the way home, he bought Hallie three rooms’ worth of tulips, daffodils, and roses.

Yup. The rose-filled room looked just like this. Just like this. Plus tulips and daffodils. Jealous, much?

Mike woke up on Valentine’s Day feeling sick. He either got an intestinal bug or he ate something on Monday that really disagreed with his system. Boo. His presence at home did give Hallie the opportunity to let Eliza nap while she and Landon went to Just Baked for an activity with the Mom’s Club. They decorated cupcakes in red, pink, and white with different sprinkles. 

Short sleeve shirt weather in February?!

Mike’s illness spoiled their plans to heart attack his office at work, so instead they brought the cupcakes home and Mike admired them from afar. Even though Mike being sick meant that he cancelled class and we had the evening available, but our date plans for Friday were already made, so we just enjoyed a relaxing time at home.

She climbs on everything. 

Mike was well enough to return to work Wednesday, and Hallie and the kids spent the day at home. Landon made the choice not to get ready for Spanish class, so he missed out. ¡Qué lástima! There’s always next week.

Mike had some work up in Rochester Hills on Thursday, so the four of us made a road trip out of it and made a stop at the children’s play area in the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets and then at Max & Erma’s in Auburn Hills. Like Landon before her, Eliza proved herself to be a fearless daredevil as she climbed on top of the giant rubber food.

Seriously, she climbs on everything! 

We picked up the photos Hallie had taken of Eliza at Portrait Scene last week. So adorable! They did a really great job of capturing her bubbly personality.

For more photos, go to this link. 

On Friday, Hallie and Mike left the kiddos with Priscilia so they could get their taxes done and then celebrate. Well, we got our taxes done. Capital gains tax on the condo sale offset the tax credit on Eliza’s adoption, so we owe this year instead of receiving a refund. Boo hoo! Not the greatest mood to bring along to the restaurant, but we didn’t let it get us down too much. Good thing we have a little in reserve. Too bad we won’t after April 17. Anyway, we enjoyed dinner (on a previously received gift card. Must pinch those pennies) and some well-needed couple time. 

On Saturday it was Hallie’s turn to have the previous day’s meal disagree with her. The kids’ music teacher and her assistant called in sick, so the kids missed their music class. At least we had sun and time to enjoy a relaxing day at home and finally get the van cleaned up. 

Easy to Get Carried Away Celebrating

It may not look like it from the picture, but Landon really worked up a sweat at gymnastics on Monday.

Later on that evening, we received word from the ad agency doing the Chrysler ads Landon is in that they wanted to put his picture in a poster Chrysler will sell on its website (feel free to buy one!).

(He's in the bottom row, third from the left.)

Our big event of the week was Eliza’s first birthday, with accompanying celebrations.

The birthday girl received some new outfits and presents from family and friends.

Her mom and dad (mostly Hallie) took some time to make some treats and have some special goodies made for her party on Friday night. We went with a Minnie Mouse theme.

That night, several of Eliza and Landon’s friends and their parents helped us celebrate Eliza’s birthday with a party!

The kids around Landon's age took to beating each other senseless with the balloons we scattered all over the floor. A little too much sugar, maybe?

Once she figured out that we wanted her to eat her cupcake, she went for it with gusto!

(Hallie had to help out a little there with some extra candy for the piñata.)

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

We have had a mild winter so far, but we knew snow and cold had to come eventually. Friday night into Saturday, the snow fell and the temperature dropped more than 20 degrees from above freezing to feeling like it was below zero with the wind chill. Brr! Of course, the cold did not stop Landon, who donned his snow duds to spend some time on ice. We didn’t let him stay out for too long, but Mike got the bright idea from Pinterest to bring the snow indoors so he could continue to play. The best part is that the snow will just drain out of the tub as it melts. Brrrrilliant!