Happy Birthday Uncle Bud

My brother turns 41 today. We got his picture made with the kids when he was here and I got some frames for them today. There is one for each of their rooms. Hope you have a great birthday, Bud!!

Fun with food color

Lynn's Paradise Cafe-try it!

Saturday morning we headed over to Louisville to spend the day before taking my brother back to the airport. We went straight to Lynn's Paradise Cafe for breakfast but in turned it to lunch with the wait we encountered. I first saw Lynn's highlighted on an episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network. It's a really wacky, eccentric place in an artsy area of Louisville but is really a fun place to go. They have a gift shop in the waiting area and put fun toys on the tables which makes it good for the kids. I tried the french toast that was featured on the Throwdown episode and thought it was just OK. (I can't remember if Lynn or Bobby won that show.) Bud got a big omelet. The kids helped us out with all the big portions! I have eaten their hot brown which is the best one I have ever had. Here are Mallory and Michael playing in the gift shop and Uncle Bud in his only fashion don't photo ever.

Introducing Clara Bear Annie Matte

Mallory got some Build A Bear gift cards for her birthday and Christmas so she went to build her bear last week. We had never been there before and didn't have a clue as to how it all worked. She picked out her bear and clothes and we went to the check out to pay. The clerk said, "don't you want to stuff her?" Oh yes, we do, thought you had to pay first. It was a really sweet experience and Mallory had a great time.

Another fun day with Uncle Bud

Today we hit Lexington and had a great time. We got 100 tokens with a coupon at Chuck E Cheese and Bud was sweet to play the games and ride the rides with M and M. We had lunch at our favorite chop chop place (Japanese Steakhouse) then went to the mall. Mallory had some Build A Bear gift cards from her friend MiMi so we enjoyed seeing her experience that treat for the first time. Then we finished off the day with Cane's!! We're big Cane's fans from way back in Louisiana. Cane's is a chicken finger place that started in Baton Rouge and has taken off from there. We were so excited to see they had built two in Lexington. If you have never tried it and happen upon one some time on the road by all means stop! To me it's better than Guthrie's, Tenda Chick, Zaxby's, etc.

Uncle Bud is here!

My brother, Thomas, flew in yesterday for a visit while Paul is in Honduras. I have always called him Buddy or Bud so the kids call him Uncle Bud. First stop after his arrival, PF Chang's for Bud's birthday lunch. It's a three year tradition now. Mallory had fun using the kiddie chopsticks and Michael just played around on the bench while we enjoyed our yummy Chang's. After that we hit the mall and an inside play house. More pix to come.

Zoo time!

When Missy and Sydney flew in last week we hit the Louisville Zoo. It is sort of a tradition with them and the zoo being only one exit away from the airport it always works out nicely. I packed us a picnic lunch and the kids had a lot of fun seeing the animals and playing in the playground areas. I had to follow Michael around the whole time so he didn't fall while there were in the playground. Missy said she was past that stage and was hoping to kick back in the rockers...but she came along to keep up with Michael after this quick rocker picture.

Winter Swimming

When Missy and Sydney were here we took the kids swimming at the Pavilion in Georgetown. It's a great indoor swim facility and the kids had a great time. After that we went to DQ for an ice cream. Very strange activities for the dead of winter!

A White Castle Valentine's

The White Castle here in Frankfort does a special Valentine's night sit down dinner. You have to make reservations and everything! Missy, Sydney, Mallory, Michael and I went out for our swanky Valentine's night there on Saturday. They had a greeter at the door and took us to our table after checking our name on the reservation list. The tables had real linen tableclothes and pink linen napkins, fresh flowers and were candlelit. We were presented with menus and had a real server. We ordered the sweetheart special for our table, 10 White Castles, two fries and two drinks for $9.99. We also got the kids a beverage and it was plenty to share. After the meal they took our picture and gave us chocolates. It was really fun. With Paul out of town, this was the perfect place for us to take the kids. For those of you who aren't familiar, White Castle is real similar to Krystal, so picture that all done up fancy with decorations!

"Mrs. Valentine"

Mallory's teacher's name is Mrs. Ballantyne but of course most if not all the kids call her Mrs. Valentine. I told her teacher at the party on Thursday that this was sort of her day since all the kids call her that! At the party all the students in the class passed out their valentines to each other. They had snacks and got goodie bags. Normally the students sing for the parents but due to all the missed days during the ice storm they didn't have time to prepare. Michael always enjoys the party and Mrs. Ballantyne and Mrs. Lori are always sweet to give him his own drink (probably so he won't go around drinking from all the kids' cups!).

Risky Business -toddler style

I was getting Michael out of his church clothes the other day and when I got to this stage it reminded me of the Tom Cruise shot in the movie Risky Business. Later when I looked up the actual photos from the movie I saw that Tom had his shirt buttoned up. Guess my memory wasn't too hot. But little Mikey sure is:)