Ollie loves everything about farms and farm animals, so we had decided on a farm party for his birthday. The first go around got canceled, so we ended up with a million different plans for the next week. Origionally we were going to have a traditional madsen birthday party at our house with all sorts of farm games and what not. But... after the duration of illness, I wasn't up for such an event. So we decided to haul the party down to the farm and Thanksgiving Point instead. Enter the 6 inches of snow we received the day before the party. Although we love winter, our guests don't, so we showed pity and planned for a sledding party instead (Here is where the theme becomes nonexistent). Apparently we were getting a little more Colorado weather, because by the time I returned home that evening, all 6 inches were gone! So we were out of luck again. I still didn't want to try the farm because of the mud, there was no snow for sledding, so....
we decided to give it a go at Pirate Island instead. We had never been here before, but it ended up being great! It's pretty much a combination of Chuck E Cheese and Casa Bonita. Despite the fact that Ollie was PETRIFIED of the skeletons they had all over the place, the boys and the few friends that were able to make it had a great time!
The boys loved the balloon swords that the balloon guy made.
Of course, there were more candles to blow out- and Ollie shared this one with his best buddy, Great Grandma Ruth. He also had a great time in the arcade! He got to...
But his favorite of all was the basketball shooting game. This is Luke, Emitt, and Ollie all doing it at the same time. They found this a great way to stretch their tokens!
Thanks to all who joined us for a great celebration!
We had gone to burger king a couple days earlier and I had forgotten that I had left his crown on his dresser, which he can reach from his crib. It was as if he knew it was HIS big day or something!
I love that cute little smile!
He recieved some very nice gifts- but I think his favorite was the bag of goldfish that Tyse picked out for him, or the watercolor paints that Emitt picked. In fact, when bedtime came that night, all 3 boys were wailing about putting the paint away. I guess that means they liked it.
some chocolate truffles and a little card. I thought they turned out OK- we put mint in the truffles for the first time and they were my favorite! Next time maybe we will try another flavor.
Even though Kent isn't much of a Valentinian, we managed to go out together the next weekend. We finally saw "The Blindside" and had an amazing dinner at Tiburon. I got Kent a back massager thing- but bought the wrong one. Dang it! He told me that I could take it back and get myself my present. Maybe one year he will plan ahead. It was a great night! Thanks for the trade, Sid!
It says..
Krissy and Kjersten lookin' like true snowbunnies!
My dear sweet Kjersten said her boots were hurting her legs... but I think she was just being a FAB friend and took pity on me sitting in the lodge alone (although I was more than content... it was quiet (meaning no one nagging me or yelling at me or demanding things from me) and beautiful!) She came in and shared some hot cocoa and laughs together! The pic of me is terrible, so you get to just see her instead! (You love it, KJ!) 
we were able to visit Grandpa Bart a couple times! They fed us a great dinner I haven't had in years! I had forgotten about how great ham and pea soup with potatoes is, and topped off with chocolate pudding. I couldn't ask for more! We don't get to see Grandpa Bart very often, so it was really nice for the boys to spend some time there and play with blocks, crawl around and play bears, watch some football, eat some food, have a HUGE pillowfight (I hope the truck has been repaired, dad!) Thanks for the great time!
