Girl Friend

Afton:  Mom, when you get married do you have to live with them?

Me:  That's usually the case.

Afton:  But I don't want to live with Nina.

Afton's friend, Nina, came over for a play date last week. We had lots of fun listening to "Everything is Awesome" and having a dance party. Nina has got some mad skills. She was doing the robot and some form of the funky chicken. She kept making me giggle when she would exclaim, "Oh My Glob!"

For the most part they played whatever Nina suggested. They played house and adventurers mainly. At one point I heard her screaming from upstairs, "Afton, bring the rest of the food (pretend) upstairs! Hurry up!" Afton came down and was filling a basket with food and says to me, "Mom, Nina is making me do everything!" So I suggest that he ask Nina to play another game, and he says, "It's ok. It's my job."  Well played Nina. Well played.

Airport Restaurant

I took the kids to Casa Machado the other day to eat some Mexican food. We had never been there, but I knew the kids would love it. The restaurant over looks Montgomery Regional Airport.  

Afton had perma-smile watching so many planes and helicopters take off. He even ate most of his food (taco, beans & rice)....and mine (he basically ate all my carne asada)! 

Rowan even dug the food, devouring hot carrots, chips and salsa, and feeding herself beans and rice.

We had to go watch the planes outside as well. You know, to get the full effect. 

As we were driving home, I spotted this street....and of course we had to stop and get a picture of the namesake.

Flower

I bought a mandrakian Amaryllis bulb from Trader Joe's back in December, and it finally bloomed! I don't think I can convey how extremely I am. I've never grown, nor planted a bulb before, and I found it super fun watching this odd mass with stringy roots grow leaves and produce gigantic red flowers. These pictures are of the first blooms. 

Add caption

This is why I love having a window box!

Tennis

Afton has been asking for me to take him to play tennis for months now. I finally decided to take him to the public courts a couple of weekends ago, and by chance we were there when a high school student came to give free lessons as a Senior project. Since it was basically the first time Afton has played (he has played around at the tennis courts in Sedona, but not seriously) he was kind of dumbfounded. He didn't move his feet much, seemed to not understand instructions, and missed a lot of the balls. He got frustrated quickly and I worried that he was done with tennis before he even started. Not the case! We have gone and played a few time since and he is gets better each time. His feet are moving, he's getting the racket on more and more balls, and is surprisingly enthusiastic even if when he misses. I'm thinking we might get him into tennis lessons if he keeps it up. 

As we were driving home from the courts today he says, "Mom, did you know tennis is my favorite sport?" and "Djokovic is my favorite tennis player."  Makes this momma proud!

Oldies

It's not Thursday, but here are some throwbacks...

Me, Jaime, Danae, Baby Jordan

First day of school. I'm guessing '87 or '88.
Danae, me, Brandy (aka Teara), and Jaime

Senior Prom
Preston, Jaime, me, Max

Side note: I did not do my hair and they made me take my hat off in the building. Scary!
Also, I still have those pants.

Gotta Brag

Back in December Nippon's side project, Coredn8, was a finalist in the Connect Most Innovative Product Awards. 

Way to go Nippon, Tony, and Maz!

.

Five Years

My baby boy turned five years old on January 1st. I don't wanna talk about it.

Ha! 

Nippon's parents took us all out for some fun at Amazing Jake's. It's a super fun place with go-carts, rock wall climbing (I tried and failed...but at least I tried), bowling (thanks to Tikon for taking him bowling), kid rides (none of which Afton was interested in), arcade games (skee ball being Afton's favorite), as well as a yummy buffet (pepperoni pizza for the birthday boy). Lincon and Nancy and their kids were able to come up and enjoy some birthday fun with us too.

Afton waiting patiently to ride the go-cart.

Nippon was pretty annoyed that it took them almost an hour to ride.

While the boys waited in line, I took Rowan to the toddler area where she proceeded to go up the stairs...

and down this little ramp....over and over and over. She thought it was the greatest thing ever.

Finally made it!

Joram and Marici ready to burn some rubber.

Afton held his hat the whole ride. Look at Nippon's concentration!

Best go-cart passenger ever!

Also, notice the shirt. It's a gift from Nippon and I, his first band shirt....Vampire Weekend!

He insisted on a chocolate on chocolate cake, and AJ's Fine Foods bakery came through. Insanely delicious!

Afton was spoiled with lots of gifts (especially that Death Eater Wand from Sriya) and had an amazing (jake's) birthday. 

We love you very very much Affy.

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY