Toby's Spy Party

We had a blast planning Toby's 9th birthday party. He decided on a Secret Agent/Spy theme, and boy did he get it! We started with the invitations, complete with cipher codes:
When the kids arrived there was someone waiting to usher them in...providing they had the password ;) Then they went immediately to the fingerprinting station to make their very own agent ids, receive their spy glasses and notebook with pen. (With the James Bond theme song playing in the background I must add!)
After some mingling we went outside for the obstacle course, which involved jumping jacks, a balance beam, makeshift tunnel, target practice and bomb diffusion (popping a black balloon):
Next we brought out an old suitcase with a group of spy items and let the kids look at them for 45seconds. They all had their spy notebooks issued to them at the fingerprint station. Once we took away the suitcase they had a minute to write or draw what was in the suitcase.We ended the party with a bomb....cake! The candle was a sparkler and thrilled all the boys!
When it was time for presents, Toby received a ransom letter with clues that led him to the loot. Whew! I'm tired, but it was worth it! All the boys & Toby had a great time, and we just can't believe how big he is! Happy Birthday Toby!

What's Happening? Where did the babies go?

First there's this one turning 8! What's that all about?! I definately told him to stop growing....they never obey!

Then there is this one: He looks like a miniature teenager! I'm suprised the girls aren't already knocking down the door....charming, sweet, thoughtful, and wild as a hog!
Then there's this one with his sister: No diapers, talking back, telling me stories like he's a genius!

Then there is this princess: sneaky and crafty, her new obsession is http://www.noggin.com/. She plays video games on the computer. Need I remind her I use this contraption to work?!

What can I do? I can't stop them can I? I need another one.....

Date Night

Last night Frank & I got to go on a wonderful date to the Tavern. It is the oldest building in Abingdon, and has served as a stagecoach stop for the likes of President Andrew Jackson, and the King of France! When you walk in you see that the walls lean and the floor slopes, but it just adds to the charm! Monday night was hopping, and we were so glad we called in our reservation...or we may have been eating at McDonald's! Some of the McCain camp were sitting near us, fresh off a rally held in Abingdon earlier that afternoon. We ate delicious meals, I had the surf & turf, and Frank had the prime rib. YUM! Definately a place we will recommend to others, and a favorite now for celebration meals...this one was a late celebration for Frank's (gasp) 31st b-day. Here are some pics:

Afterwards we saw the movie Fireproof....so moving! The beginning was a little slow...(read: cheesy)...but then it picked up and the acting got quite good. It was a fresh breath of air to walk out of a movie theater encouraged and feeling thankful for your partner!
As we pulled into the driveway we stopped to admire the symphony of stars that the Lord had laid out for us. A perfect ending to a spectacular night with the love of my life!

Jude is 2!

Can it be true?! No official babies in the Cardinale house?! Jude has promised me he will stay little just for me. It won't last for long, I know. Sniff......Jude is holding up his hand to say how old he is....not quite agile with the fingers!