Birthday--Hamilton

I've had a lot of awesome birthdays in my life, but this past one takes the cake. I've been obsessed with Hamilton for about a year, and when a block of tickets went on sale about 7 months ago, we jumped on it, and Eric snagged tickets for my birthday.

When I got pregnant, I was nervous about whether the doctors would let me travel. Thankfully, I was able to go, and last week, we had an amazing time in NYC. Eric's parents took care of the kids overnight, while we were away.

We started the day by voting.

And then drove up to NYC. I was nervous about driving in the city but it was really easy. We stayed at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, which is literally right next door to the theater. We got upgraded to a large room with an amazing view from the 38th floor.

After we checked in, we walked a bit around Times Square, went to the Hamilton gift shop, and then went back to the hotel, got changed, and then went to get dinner. Unfortunately, it was pouring rain and freezing, so we just went to a nearby restaurant (Joe Allen, which had delicious, delicious steak).

Then, what time was it? SHOWTIME! 

 We had AMAZING seats. Just three rows back from the stage.

I loved every minute of the show, and had to hold myself back from singing along. I even teared up a few times. I couldn't believe I was finally in the room where it happens.

After the show, we picked up cheesecake from Junior's Cheesecake, and went back to the room and crashed. The next day, I got to sport my cuddly warm new Hamilton sweatshirt. Love it! I never buy stuff like this, but I couldn't resist.

We ate breakfast, walked around a bit more and then headed home. It was such a great getaway for so many reason. Got to see a fabulous show, spend time with Eric, and celebrate my birthday.

Halloween

We had a great Halloween, full of candy and adorable costumes.

First up was Trunk or Treat at Kindercare for Deacon on the Friday before Halloween. He was Stitch from the movie Lilo and Stitch. His costume was just too cute. The tail just killed me.

The night before Halloween, Piper and Fletch were begging to carve pumpkins. I REALLY didn't want to do it (now I get why I only was allowed to paint or color my pumpkins as a kid--It's a pain in the rear). They created their designs, and then I helped Fletch carve while Piper did probably 95% of the carving on her own. They were so pleased with them.

The next night was Halloween. The kids were beyond excited, and the weather was perfect. No family costume this year--I couldn't pull it together and being pregnant really limits your options. The kids just chose their own things. 

Here is Fletch as his favorite YouTube/Minecraft star--DanTDM.

Piper decided she wanted to be Harley Quinn from Superhero Girls. 

And then there was Deke as Stitch.

We all had a great time ToTing. 

Now, we're just working our way through about 20lbs of candy. A great holiday for all of us.

Columbus Day Tradition

Columbus Day pumpkin tradition 2017. This time, featuring hats and masks. Hat was from Disney on Ice the day before. Mask was from a happy meal. One of my favorite things to do all year.

Random Cute Pictures

Just some cute pictures of life lately.

Fletch and his BFF Luke

Piper and Fletch: 7 Years Old

I had all these great intentions of writing a really deep post about what truly awesome kids Piper and Fletch are, how they are no longer little and are turning into big kids, how smart, fun, funny, sweet, cuddly, and crazy they are, etc.

But, time got away from me, life has been busy, blah, blah, blah. Instead, we'll just have to settle for their more recent stats and pics from their birthday party. Here is their latest data:

Fletcher: 

6 months: 27 inches (66%), 18lbs 12oz (68%)
9 months: 28.5 inches (59.9%), 22lbs 7.7oz (79.4%)
12 months: 30.5 inches (74%), 24 lbs 10 oz (76%)
15 months: 31.5 inches (64%), 27 lbs 8.5 oz (86%)
18 months: 34 inches (93%), 29 lbs (95%)
21 months: 34 inches (although measured at home so maybe not accurate), 32 lbs (93%)
24 months: 35.75 inches (71%), 33.4 lbs (97%)
30 months: 37 inches (85%), 37 lbs (97%)

36 months: 40 inches (95%), 40 lbs (97%)

48 months: 43.5 inches (97%), 46.3 lbs (97%)

60 months: 46.5 inches (97%), 54lbs (97%)

72 months: 49.6 inches (98%), 58.9lbs (94%)

84 months: 52 inches (97%), 60lbs (84%)

Piper: 
6 months: 25 inches (19%), 15lbs 11oz (39%)
9 months: 27.75 inches (57.9%), 17lbs 13.7oz (32.5%)
12 months: 30 inches (79%), 20 lbs 1.9 oz (34%)
15 months: 31.25 (76%), 23 lbs 1 oz (55%) 
18 months: 32.5 inches (73%), 24 lbs (87%)
21 months: 32.5 inches (again, measured at home), 26.4 lbs (63%)
24 months: 34.75 inches (71%), 27.6 lbs (75%)
30 months: 37 inches (85%), 30 lbs (66%)

36 months: 38 inches (74%), 33.5 lbs (76%)

48 months: 41.5 inches (85%), 38.4 lbs (75%)

60 months:  45 inches (92%), 43lbs (71%)

72 months:  48.03 inches (91%), 49.6lbs (74%)

84 months: 51.25 inches (93%), 58lbs (79%)

For their birthday, we invited a million friends from school and a few others to see the new Lego Ninjago movie. The kids had so much fun, the adults worked their tails off, but in the end, it was a success. P&F LOVED it, and nothing warmed my heart more than seeing them all sitting together during the movie. Here are the pics and some video.

First, we corralled the kids in the arcade.

Then marched them to the theater, giving them popcorn and water.

I love how they are all sitting together.

After the movie, we shepherded them upstairs. They aren't having any fun at all in the elevator with Eric.

And then we did sang happy birthday and did cake and pizza (in that order because the pizzas weren't ready on time).

By the time all the kids left, we were all exhausted.

Happy 7th birthday*, my babies.

*We did their party a month late so they'd have time to see their school friends again. It's tough having a late August birthday.