Life Raising Five: Sarah's Birthday

My parents drove up last week so we could celebrate my sisters birthday - the big 29! Last year of her twenties! Um, when did we become grown ups? This time my parents were going to stay the night at our house so we could stay up late playing the torture game of Phase 10 - our go to game for the last few years but we always end up saying how much we all hate the game while we play. I had been promising my mom to make some cinnamon rolls for them for awhile now so while they were driving up we made some cinnamon rolls from scratch (a new vegan recipe we found a few months ago that we love!). As soon as we were done getting the cinnamon rolls ready it was time to go on the Gaw and Papa look out waiting for them to arrive. The kids were so excited when they saw their car turn down our street. I love how much my kids love and enjoy their Gaw and Papa. Since they were spending the night they brought Harleigh Dog - whom the kids get a crack out of, Mocha wasn't too happy with Harleigh for not wanting to play. Sarah and Collin came over and we had dinner, presents, cake and ice cream. Then the real fun - Phase 10.

Now, its a very well known thing for anyone who comes over and plays the game at our house that game is really called "Skip Sarah". For those of you that do not know the game there are skip cards in and when played you can pick a person that will get skipped a round. I think in our house we started skipping her when a certain person that wont be mentioned on the blog would come over and play with us. He use to get very protective and upset anytime she was skipped. If you know my family, you know that you then are asking for it - so we all started skipping Sarah. For some reason the tradition has been continued for which I am thankful its not me. Also should add that my sister CHEATS! okay okay, maybe it was only in the practice round, but it only was declared a practice round after she was skipped and 'forgot' (must be the old age) and then drew a wild card and laid down her hand. Thankfully her awesome honest husband called her on it and we all harped on her for playing her turn when she was skipped. Hours later the game ended - not sure who really won, pretty sure I lost though --- but I do know we all said we will never play that game again while all knowing we will play it next time my parents come up for a visit.

It was a great chilled evening and it really reminds us how thankful we are to have this opportunity to live close to family again. We really are thankful that God lead us on this path back to Texas!

Conrad trying to sneak some cinnamon sugar

awe - he was actually helping hold up the first little part that we rolled up

yummy!

waiting for Gaw and Papa

on the look out

they're here!

RahRah opening presents

Harleigh Dog

we need a bigger table!

he was excited about RahRah opening her presents

giving her "I'm.going.to.pretend.to.pout.to.get.your.extra.attention" face

those candles are dangerous - sparking everywhere! and the kids were very excited to have "Gaw Juice" aka dr. pepper - they love getting special treats from Gaw and Papa