Rudy's Birthday Week, Part II

...you didn't think the parties were all we did all week, did you?!

Let's back up...

Friday, August 2:  Dinner with the Allotey's to celebrate Jannette's annual 30th birthday.  Rudy always has so much fun with kids his age, especially Jorja.  Of course pizza is always a big hit, too.  Add to that, Gallina's also has a small arcade that Rudy and Jorja were all over.  Fun little night out!

Saturday, August 3:  Party prep day, lots of cleaning, decorating, and last minute wrapping (and conveniently John's day at work... funny how it works out that we seem to always have parties the day after John's shift)

Sunday, August 4:  Party time!  (see earlier post)

Monday, August 5:  Jack was still in town so we spent the morning at the mall with him and Grandma Cicci.  We were able to play Glow-Golf, play in the children's play area, shop for shoes, ride the train, and have lunch at 5 guys.  Then that evening Rudy and Avery hung out with them again while Gran and I took our State Fair entries out to the fairgrounds.  What a day!

Tuesday, August 6:  I had to work, but Dad took Rudy and Avery to Scheels to meet Grandma and Jack.  They had a ball playing -- riding bikes, checking out the fish, bowling, etc.  I hear Avery was mesmerized by the bowling game.

That evening we spent time getting things ready for Rudy's party.  He helped my bake his cake, and I let him lick the bowl for the first time.  At first he started with just poking his finger in.  He was pretty hesitant and slow.  But the more tastes he got, the quicker he went back for more.  Then he realized he could just spoon it out and the rest is history.  Cake batter face, hands, and everything else later and I had to tear the bowl away from him!  

Wednesday, August 7:  Party time!  (see earlier post)

Thursday, August 8:  Mark and Mike were still in town so we spent the morning with them at Scheels, followed by lunch at Quaker Steak and Lube.  Scheels is always a good go-to with a bunch of little boys!!

Then that evening we were able to walk in the opening night State Fair parade with the fire department.  Mike and Mark came with us and we all had a fun evening!

Friday, August 9:  I made us take a time out for the day.  We were getting pretty exhausted.  John was working so the kids and I stayed at home all day and it was just what we needed.  We relaxed, put toys away, did laundry, and even went for a nice walk.

But don't worry, we still got out that night!  Gran's friends from high school came in town to visit, so we went to a cook-out at Gran and Papa's.  But the highlight of the day were the results from our fair entries... 3...THREE...BLUE ribbons!!!

craft from paper not pictured, although it was the best entry by far



The excitement doesn't stop...

Saturday, August 10:  Mark and Mike brought breakfast over and we played all morning, followed by an afternoon birthday party for Layla.  Rudy had SO much fun!  They had their roller coaster set up, sprinkler, a bubble machine, and a giant bounce house!  Then over to Grandma and Grandpa Cicci's for dinner.

Sunday, August 11:  We had visitors all morning!  Uncle Burch and Aunt Michelle came to see Avery and Rudy and bring Rudy's birthday present and Mike and Mark came one last time before they had to head home.

Monday, August 12:  To be continued...