Todd's Surprise Birthday Murder Mystery Party

So guess who just celebrated his 30th birthday on Jan. 21! Yep - my handsome hubby!

Because it was his big 3-0 birthday, I wanted to do something special and I thought a surprise party would be fun, but I didn't want it to be solely about him- because I knew he wouldn't like that. THUS- I had Todd's mom help me get A Murder Myster 70's style Party. I did the surprise party two weeks after his b-day so he wouldn't suspect it!

It was actually really hard to keep it a secret and I have probably never lied so much in my life but Todd really gave me no choice!! He was uncharacteristically focused on finding our air mattress (even though we didn't need it) and before I knew what was happening, Todd had found my party decorations and 70s clothes stash that I had gotten out and hidden for the party! How could I have known he was going to be so persistent! We also had a couple of close calls with Todd almost reading a text message that would have hinted at the party- I was sure he was on to me that time especially during our interchange of me running down the stairs, grabbing my phone, and going off on a crazy tirade about how he shouldn't touch my I-phone cause I just wanted something that was mine that he wouldn't touch- what other good reason would there be for my erratic phone sensitivity! Anyway, you would never believe it if you had heard all my scheming, but Todd, with medicine for Elli and cumin for a recipe (I had to get him out of the house!), was completely genuinely surprised as he showed up to the door with flashing lights on and a whole bunch of awesomely dressed friends inside.

MURDER MYSTERY! Above lies the poor deceased Stan A. Live. He was found on my carpet after we were disco dancing in my living room/Funkytown Disco. Each person had to come dressed as a certain character and they acted as this character for the night until we figured out who killed poor Stan. We each had a book about what we knew and each scene we would find out and reveal certain facts. It was definitely a farfetched murder but it was super fun! I believe the rich, deaf, and pregnant Chaka Moon, our Hilary, was the the killing culpret--- so devious she was!

Everybody was great about getting into character- I have to say my favorites were Tyson's Knight Feevah character- bartending muscle man, and Manny Baritone-celebrity singer.

Manny Baritone (Ken) with mic and all and Belle Badham (Nichole)- so stylin'!

The chic Angina Palpatori (Diana) and Knight (Tyson) who may or may not sell his body at night! Somehow we didn't get a pic of Hilary and Ian seperately! Sad!


Vinny V. Divichi (Todd with an awesome wig I bought before hand) and Polly Esther Stuffincup and YES I did use my last name as inspiration for a stuffed top so you don't have to wonder! We had such a great time eating fondue and playing the game! I am so happy it all worked out!

I want to take a sentimental moment if you will indulge me and say how much I just love my husband! I love that I can just have such a great time with him whether we are disco murder mysterying it up or just lounging on the couch together. I love that he is so considerate and thoughtful and such a fun loving dad to Elliana. I admire his intelligence, hardworking attitude, and his unwavering integrity. I love that no matter where we live or what we do- it will be an adventure and a journey I can look forward to because we will be doing it together. And I am so grateful that our journey will continue on together for eternity! What a blessed woman I am!

Snow and Fun times with Family

So in January (yes I am still catching up), we had a really big snowstorm that came through. Although the initial hours of snow fall was not fun, the next day was a blast. We went over to Tyson and Diana's and played with Alexis and Logan in the snow. We had an especially fun time sledding with Alexis and Elli!

A quick side note about what happened before all the snow fun -- This is Todd; I wanted to share a quick snow experience that I had. The snow storm only dumped about 10 inches of snow, so not a lot. The problem was, though, that the snow came in very fast, was very heavy, and hit right at evening rush hour. My usual commute home of 45 minutes became a nightmare. It took me over 4.5 hours to get home, and I was lucky compared to most. The only reason I got home so "quickly" was because I decided to walk the last 6+ miles in my suit to get home (which took me 1.5 hours). The problem was that all roads home were blocked by cars that had peeled out and got stuck in the middle of the road. So I had no option, other than simply waiting, if I wanted to get home. Luckily, there was a parking lot in front of a supermarket near by, so I parked my car there and started walking. Thankfully, I got two short (but very welcome) rides from really nice strangers and Tyson picked me up about a mile from the house, so in total I walked only 4 or so miles home in the blizzard.

The next day's great weather, perfect snow, and fun (and no work) helped me forget my horrible commute. So here are a few pictures of the good times.

Here is Elliana sledding for the very first time!!

Alexis showed us some great moves. Todd and Lexi even caught some air on that run! Elli actually loved sledding; she would even lift up her hands when going down just like if she was on a roller coaster- it was so cute!

Snow Angel FUN!

FAMILY PARTY

We also recently got to spend some fun time with Wendy Perdue who just turned 1. Todd's mom was in town to help out with Sawyer, Tyson and Diana's youngest, and Meagan had a fun little birthday Party for the the special one-year old. She loved her doggy cake, friends, gifts and her doggy pinata! We had a great time too!

I was a little worried, however, when Elli seemed way overly excited to be whacking the cute doggy with all her little might. She was quite thrilled with the idea-- I hope this won't become a habit!

It was so fun to hang out with Todd's mom for a little bit. I know Elliana enjoyed it and as always, she loved hanging out with her cousins, Sawyer, Logan, and Alexis.

Riding Horses in Texas

One thing I didn't mention in my last post was the great time we were able to have riding horses while we were in Texas-- a must do. Our family has a had a few horses over the years, but we don't now, so my dad asked a friend if we could go to his stable and ride some of their horses. All the kids were in heaven and I even got to do some nice galloping on one of the horses (although I promise I only walked when Elli was riding with me!)

I don't think Todd was as excited when I told him Elli had been on the horse too, but sadly Todd was sick again the day we went to see the horses and he had to stay home, so he only found out about it "post" horse time. We did really miss him though. (and Todd I really did just put her up there just to pose with the horse- nothing to worry about!) Uncle Dave was great and helped out a lot with Elli so I was able to ride for a while too!

Kyle was so upset when we told him his turn was over! He cried and cried. It was sooo cute and sad! Jenny was really concerned. :)

Ashley and Zack were pros by the end and Ashley even walked and turned the horse on her own a little. We had a great time, but we were all completely covered in dirt by the end of the few hours because the wind was blowing so strong! I enjoyed the shower after that!