Great Wolf Lodge

Thursday we headed to Great Wolf Lodge for Kylie's birthday celebration. On our way up we stopped for lunch.

As soon as we arrived, we checked in, got into our suits and headed to the indoor water park. I don't have any pics from the water park because I didnt want to bring my camera. After several hours swimming, we came back to our room and dined on hoagies.

Chris relaxing in our room.

This is were the girls slept.

After dinner, CJ, Kylie, and Madi went back to the water park. Kamryn and Avery were a bit water logged, so we took then to the arcade to play.

After they were done playing games, we got the little girls icecream.

Finally, we headed back to our room. Here is Avery and Kamryn jumping on our bed.

The next morning we all headed to the breakfast buffet, then I made my kids pose for pics around the lobby.

The lobby was so cool.

After this round of pics, we all headed back to the water park again. When everyone was water logged, we headed back home. This was such an awesome getaway. We all just laughed and played and ate!

Kylie's 16th Birthday

Today our oldest daughter turned 16. As soon as Chris got home from work, we sat down to dinner. Kylie's menu selection....crab and asparagus fettuccine, salad, and Italian bread.

After dinner it was time for Kylie to open her gifts.

Avery gave Kylie $5 of her own money.

Madi gave Kylie a ring.

Vera Bradley lanyard.

Vera Bradley flip flops. Kylie is a huge VB fan.

What's in the bag???

A Droid phone. I think its safe to say that she loves it!

Lucky birthday girl got flowers from her God-daughter, Lily, and a mixed bouquet from her boyfriend.

Finally it was time to sing to our birthday girl. But her birthday celebrations aren't over yet. We are taking the family to Great Wolf Lodge soon to continue her Sweet 16 celebrations.

Avery's 10th birthday

Thursday was Avery's 10th birthday. She woke up to breakfast in bed!

Waiting for Daddy to get home so she can open her presents.

Jegging capris. Getting ready for Spring.

Forgot to take a pic of her dinner table, her menu selection included ravioli, salad, garlic bread, and an icecream cake for dessert. So glad her taste buds are maturing and she didn't pick tacos! Her sparkler candles on her cake surprised her!

Hope she remembered to make a wish!

On Friday night Avery had a sleep over party with her friends. Kylie and her friend, Sarah, taught the girls a dance to a Justin Beiber song.

Practicing one of the dance moves.

More dancing.

Then the girls played a spider web/question game.

The birthday girl then gets to sit on the spider web.

Instead of a big cake, Avery wanted everyone to decorate their own cupcake.

Then every girl got to blow out her own sparkler candle after singing to Avery.

Finally, after an evening full of activities, it was time to settle down for the night.

After all of her friends left, Avery headed up stairs to her room. A few minutes later she was sound asleep. I think I'll call that a successful birthday party for Avery!

Kylie's Fashion Debut

On Thursday we headed to the high school were Kylie was modeling the dress she made for her Fashion Design class at the Annual fashion show.

Kamryn was so proud of her big sister.

Kylie and friends.

A Hartman Saturday Night

This past Saturday night we spent with our very good friends, the Ives. Since our kids have grown up together, and are all good friends, we often get our families together. This particular night we decided to play Just Dance on Wii. If you don't own it, go out and buy it. Not only is so much fun, it's also great exercise.

The kids danced while we watched and laughed.

Not quite sure how she fell asleep since it was sooo loud in our house.

Finally, after a few beers, it was time for the adults to show the kids how its done.

Happy Valentine's Day

Since Valentine's Day is on a Monday, and the school week is so crazy for us, we decided to celebrate tonight at Sunday dinner. It wouldn't be Valentine's Day without a little bubbly, (cherry 7-up that is.)Our menu tonight was 2 roasted chickens, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberries. Since it's our Valentine dinner, of course I made the cranberries heat shaped!

I couldn't remember the last time it was just the 7 of us at Sunday dinner, no girlfriends, no boyfriends, no special guests. I never mind having a big group for Sunday dinner, but it was nice just having the 7 of us for a change.

Dessert time!!!!