Elliott's Birthday Party

 Another Elliott birthday party is in the books. He was really indecisive this year, and could not decide what he wanted to do for the longest time. But, he finally settled on going to Dave and Buster's. 

So, Rachel and Jacob came home with us after school on Friday. The kids all played together for the afternoon, and then at 6:00 pm we had a reservation at Dave and Buster's. 

We ate supper there, and it was pretty decent food. The kids all got some pizza and buffalo wings, and I got a steak bowl which was really good, and John got a burger and fries, which was decent. We took our time eating and visiting, and then let the kids loose to play some arcade games. They had a blast, and they each got some good items from the store at the end. 

Dave and Buster's was a pretty fun place to go for a birthday, but it was pretty expensive. It's definitely a special occasion place only. 

Elliott also got some gifts from his friends. He got a Pokemon Advent calendar, a Charmander stuffed animal and a book from Jacob, and he got candy, gum, and Pokemon megabuild blocks from Rachel. We also enjoyed a cookie cake from Mary's Mountain Cookies. 

Jacob went home after Dave and Buster's because he had Hockey tournament the next day, but Rachel spent the night. We headed home, and the kids watched a movie and then went to bed. 

All in all, it was a great birthday party. The kids had fun and made some great memories. Today, the kids played in the basement (and destroyed it) and then had a Nerf war outdoors. We brought Rachel home around lunch time, and then ran some errands, cleaned the house, and finally are relaxing for a while. 

It's also Elliott's birthday eve. He officially turns 10 tomorrow. We plan to treat him out to supper with Grandma and Grandpa, and shower him with some gifts tomorrow. I cannot believe he will be 10 tomorrow. Time really does fly. 

But, I'm going to read a little, watch some SDSU football on TV, and just enjoy the rest of my Saturday. 

November Updates

 I keep trying to stay on top of blogging, and I keep falling behind. November is flying by, and next week is Thanksgiving already. It's hard to believe the holidays are already upon us. 

On November 2nd, we took Jim and Barb to a SDSU Football game in Brookings. I found $10 tickets online, and the 6 of us headed to the football game. We got really lucky and had a beautiful November day for the game. It was 50 degrees, sunny, and we had a blast. 

We all rode together in Jim and Barb's truck (we were supposed to take my car, but the battery was dead, so eventually I ended up buying a new battery for my car). We tailgated in the parking lot before the game, and ate some BBQs, chips, and fruit. It was pretty fun and the kids sure loved it. 

We made sure we were in the stadium plenty early to see The Pride play and march, and so we could explore the stadium a little and watch warm ups. Jim and Barb had not been to the stadium since it had been updated, so they really enjoyed seeing everything. 

Then we just enjoyed a football game. The Jacks pounded Murray State 52-6. So, it wasn't much of a game, but there was a lot of offense to watch, a really good halftime show by The Pride. We stayed for the entire game, and Grandma and Grandpa spoiled the kids with some concessions during the game. We all had fun, and hope to go again next year. 

After the game, we went to Dennis and Jenny's for a visit and some supper. We took a little farm tour and saw their new buildings, and then ate a nice supper. It was fun to catch up. Then, we made the trek back home. 

The following weekend, we went out to the farm to make Christmas Trees. I found a nice 4-H project where the kids could make Christmas Trees out of 2x4s. They did really well with the project, and even did all the drilling themselves, with some guidance from grandpa. It was fun watching them, and then they got really creative when it came to painting and decorating the trees once they were assembled. 

Samantha, Jeff, and Katie also joined us for crafting day, and helped make trees and just enjoyed visiting with everyone. We also ate lunch at the farm. We had some taco soup and fixings, and it was really good. It was a really fun afternoon of making trees, and then the boys went to the Ice Institute and spent some money while Emma and I just enjoyed chilling at home for the evening. 

The rest of November had been filled with Christmas decorating, episodes of Modern Family, outdoor walks when the weather is nice enough, and trips to the gym. 

We also have been to a couple movies this month. Elliott and I read The Wild Robot, which Elliott really enjoyed. So, once it was in theaters we had to go see it. Emma also came with us. It was a really cute  movie, and it had a been long time since we had even seen a movie in the theater. Then, a couple weekends ago, we drove out to Viborg to see another movie based on the book Lost on a Mountain in Maine. Elliott and John read this book together, and Barb really wanted to see the movie, so we all went to see it together. The Viborg theatre is pretty fun because it's $5 to see the movie, and then concessions are really cheap. And it's just really old and has a lot of character. 

We also had a fun evening because of Elliott's soccer team. We got to go to the Union Social, which is a new Sports Bar and Arcade in Harrisburg. They had a soft opening, and we got to go play arcade games for free and eat at the restaurant for 50% off each item. They also have a bowling alley, and we bowled a game for free as well. We had so much fun and it was great, cheap entertainment. It was a little loud and busy there, but it was fun. We had to cram it into a school night, but it was worth it. 

We also received free tickets for a Skyforce Game on the following night. The kids got to wear their YMCA jerseys and be on the floor before the game with the players, so they thought that was pretty cool. We also enjoyed walking around, and then had fun watching the game. And Elliott got thrown a basketball from the mascot, so he thought that was pretty cool. The Skyfoce aren't real great this year, so after the third quarter we decided to head home since it was a school night. But, we all had a good time. 

Needless to say, we have been pretty busy lately. It's been a good busy, but it keeps us moving. I can't wait for Thanksgiving next week, and then Christmas is right around the corner. 

Ready for a football game 

Go Jacks!