My birthday take two!

Today I got a chance to celebrate my birthday with my family.  The kids & I had a lazy morning.  Played outside a little.  And spent the afternoon just the way I have always dreamed.... at a CARS adventure!

CARS {as in the kiddie movie} had a display sponsored by State Farm in Lincoln this afternoon.  Life size version of my kids' heros!  What else could a mama have asked for for her birthday? {besides a tropical vacation or a spa package}

So Jeff, I & the kids spent the afternoon hanging with "mama," "bebe," Lightning McQueen & Mater, getting some cool free stuff.  (Olivia called Molly "bebe" all day.  I'm guessing because we talk about Baby Lele in Molly's belly??)  And though I'd still graciously accept that spa package, the kids had a one of a kind afternoon & that makes my heart happy.  Their excitement, smiles & kisses were the best gifts I could ask for, so all-in-all a wonderful birthday. 

They were excited in the parking lot when we saw Mac with a picture of all the CARS characters on the side.  They had no idea what they were in store for inside!

We got there early & got to look around & take pictures before the line even started forming.  Then we were probably the 20th group in line.  The kids got to play in the mall play area a little while GG held our place in line.  By the time we got through getting our stuff, the line was LONG!  Like so long the kids would definately not have tolerated waiting long.  I'm so glad we got there early!

Driving the bus while we waited...

Livi broke her new glasses yet again.  Tried unsuccessfully to get them fixed at a place in the mall.

 So excited!!  And yes they are all wearing CARS shirts!!

 The car we don't know (because we haven't seen CARS 2) & "May May" {Mater}

 Mater!!

 Lightning McQueen!!   "VROOOMMM......!"

It was almost like trick-or-treating.  We got CARS bags.  Coloring books.  Crayons.  Stickers.  Pencils.  Keychains.  Bag tags.  The list goes on.  All CARS!!

Since the display was at the mall, we also got to ride the carousel!!  Hayden & Olivia have loved it every time they've ridden.  Logan is finally getting there.  The first time he rode at the fair this summer, we had to hold him.  He wouldn't sit on an animal.  Last time he rode at the mall, he rode on a horse... but it was one that didn't go up & down.  This time... he rode for real!  Took him 'til the end to not have that "I'm not so sure about this" look on his face.  But he did it!!  {How he's transitioned into being our biggest chicken is beyond me?}

 GG & Hayden.  He grinned like this the entire time!

Action shot... It goes fast!!

 Olivia (& Molly's arm)  Molly & baby were pretty smashed between the 2 horses ;)

 Mama & Logan

Afterwards, my brothers met up with us for dinner.  So we were all together for a very filling meal at Valentino's Buffet!  Yum!  Hayden & Olivia honestly ate as much as I did.  You don't believe me, but its true.  I know Hayden had 2 pieces of pizza.  A breadstick.  Pasta.  Noodle salad.  A whole slice of watermelon.  Grapes.  And he desserted on 2 cinnamon breadsticks & a few bites of GG's ice cream.  Livi finished off her (almost as large as Hayden's) meal, by eating an entire bowl of ice cream by herself (she scooped it with the spoon & all.  And manage to keep her shirt almost entirely clean!)   Logan picked around a little.  Was pretty ornery.  Ate a breadstick.  And ate daddy's ice cream out of his ice cream cone with a spoon!  Silly boy.  But still overall they behaved very well.  Its been a long time since we have all got together & went out to eat!  (Should have taken a picture of all of us!)

Hayden

Olivia

 Ornery Logan

Now less than 3 weeks until THEIR birthday!  {I vow to get the boys & myself haircuts before then, we look kinda shabby!}