Oh, Canada

Sarah, Alexander and Simon are officially in St Johns, Newfoundland as I type this. They are certainly freezing and missing out on the breezy 78degrees that was Houston today. Hopefully these pics of their going away playgroup and dinner will give them some warm'n'fuzzies!

It was the usual cast of characters. The usual house trashing. The usual Robert Duval busted calling his agent:

The kiddo guest of honor:

People brought Sarah and Alexander (and Baby Younger) some cute going away presents, like Texas onsies and other reminders of their time here. Also, some items for their new home, including a super cute fuzzy hat for Xander!

The big hit of the night had to be the box. I ordered everything plus some online for the holidays this year. At one point I got a huge box from Amazon- rather than peanuts or those puffy air bags, it had this insanely loooong strip of brown paper in it. I was about to put it out with the recycling when it dawned on me that the kids would probably think it was quite fun. When I 1st pulled it out, no one was that interested and I was kind of disappointed. BUT at some point it just caught someone's eye and the brown paper mayhem ensued!

Alexander in the box; the other kids couldn't shove the paper on top of him fast enough.

It was fun for them and funny to watch!

At one point it got to be a little much and poor Alexander did not look happy, like he was gasping for his 'safe word.' We got him out but that didn't stop the insanity. He was back in a moment later. Kellen was the typical female, wanting to reorganize the paper and wear it as a boa. I tell you, gender stereotypes are very, very real!

All the excitement brought out Kellen's alter ego. I see a bright future as an Avril Lavigne impersonator if college doesn't quite work out for her...

Even Elliott, who is pretty subdued, got in on the box action. Wisely he waited until the WWE main event was over...

It was really fun having the dads come over and having dinner. The kids barely knew what to do with all this extended play time. I know my own barely at dinner but they were sure cute sitting for their wee dinner party.

Sarah and Ginnie; Tim and Aaron

Sarah, Simon and Dada; Elizabeth and Stacy

Heather, Kelcey and Ginnie

Vincent and Elliott eat like big guys; Kellen and Truitt's dinner date

The steaks were great (Thanks, Ray) and so were all the yummy sides that people brought. I have to say, per usual, that Kelcey's dessert was the highlight of the night. I don't know what kind of crack she put in those damn balls but they were addicting. I even squirreled a couple away for the next day in the fridge. Mmmmm... maybe she'll be nice and share the recipe!

The balls themselves; Jeremy and Landon enjoying a treat!