Uncle John and Auntie Emily were coming on Friday for a weekend visit with the boys. Ben anxiously waited for their arrival all day long. Every car that drove by was met with the question, "Is that them mommy?" When they did arrive, they had to wait for us in the driveway until we got home from running errands. Such a warm welcome! Once their bags were unloaded, John had time for a few piggy back and plane rides before we took them out for dinner. Once the boys went to bed, Emily and I lost miserably to John and Jeremy while playing a couple of games of euchre.
After being subjected to Ben's Valentine's day gift from me, the movie Space Buddies, we set out on Saturday for the most romantic place in the greater Kansas City area-
Cabela's. We were celebrating Uncle John's birthday, so I thought we would do something fun for him. I had no idea that it would be such a hot spot. Who would have thought that hunting gear would be in such high demand on this Hallmark holiday?
Jeremy and I wandered around with Ben and Owen for what seemed like hours taking in all of the exhibits of once living game animals. Frankly I prefer the zoo, smells and all, when compared to the creepy glass eyes of goats and scenes like the zebra getting mauled by a tiger. I was a little nauseous by the time we made it to the aquarium section where the fish are still alive. Ben and Owen both seemed to enjoy watching the larger than life catfish swim around the tank with no idea that their cousins were mounted on the wall as trophies in the tackle and bait section of the store.
We met back up with John and Emily and left the store pretty much empty handed. Ben scored gummy bears and John bought a can of cashews. I'm still not entirely sure why we just didn't go to the gas station. We headed back home after enjoying some real retail therapy at the nearby outdoor mall. The only glass eyes there were my own as we approached the Banana Republic Factory Store.
The thought of imposing my children on the couples who actually were celebrating a rare night out did cross my mind, but Jeremy and I decided to cook dinner at home instead. (Please don't tell anyone that we actually know how-it will ruin our reputation and everyone that visits will come to expect the same treatment.) The boys devoured their cheese quesadillas while the rest of us waited for fillet mignon and sweet potatoes.
I have never felt more loved on Valentine's day than this year. Ben must have said "Happy Valentine's Day" 1,352 times throughout the day. He was just so cute about it. He loves celebrating holidays and birthdays (more on that later). Owen was so tired that he didn't even want me to read his new book, Good Night Moon, before he went to bed. It really was a wonderful day spent with 4 of my favorite guys, Emily and a bunch of dead animals.
The evening came to a close after sipping pomegranate champagne cocktails, indulging in chocolate covered strawberries, and finally beating Jeremy and John at one game of euchre. (We pulled out all of the stops in hopes that our guests would come back to visit soon.)
John's birthday celebration started bright and early Sunday morning. Ben couldn't wait to wake him up for his birthday wishes, balloons and to eat the cookie cake. Shortly after lunch it was time to hug them goodbye. The house seemed awfully quiet this afternoon. Thank goodness that tomorrow we get to celebrate another holiday-President's Day, which Ben has conveniently confused with "Presents" Day.
My youngest brother, John, turned 23 today. He was brought home from the hospital on my eleventh birthday and was such a sweet little baby. It was a running joke that he was my birthday present.
Because of our age difference, I wasn't around a lot to see him grow up. When I was away at college he would write me letters to tell me that he missed me. During the summers he would come to St. Louis and spend a few days with me. It's really hard not to still think of him as the thirteen year old that I took to a Sugar Ray/Fastball concert. Sometime between then and now, he went and grew up on me.
He has since graduated from college and is out in the real world on his own now and doing great. I'm sometimes surprised by how responsible he is for his age. It's easy to say that I'm very proud of him.
Somehow my youngest brother, John, has convinced his girlfriend, Emily, to start hunting with him. Ahhh, the things we do when in love. I won't even take up golf for a>
His present to himself is a new (used) truck. It has all the bells and whistles so now he has no excuse not to come out to see us!!!
Young and in love....They are so cute!!!
