Dump Truck Birthday Cake and More

This was the first birthday that Levi really knew that it was HIS birthday. We celebrated his actual birthday (June 15) with a Mexican dinner and a few presents--we keep things simple here. I bought him a chocolate chip cookie at Jason's Deli for his "cake" that night. He loved it.

And he also loved the CAT Front Loader and CAT hat that we got him.

Ah the sign!

Doing a Levi jig, funny boy.

We celebrated his birthday with family a few friends on Saturday. I decided to make a giant chocolate chip M&;M cookie for his cake. Because Levi asked for a Dump Truck Cake, I iced a dump truck on it.

I found this idea online of making a road out of a black tablecloth with yellow duct tape. Easy!

We had sandwiches and then took the kids outside to play. But a storm came up so it had to be quick. Check out those clouds!

And check out those kids. Lots of them!

Blowing out his candles.

Yum...chocolate chip cookie cake.

Playing with some of his new toys, including this huge coloring book!

Mama and Papa were here to help celebrate, of course.

My great parents. How lucky my boys are to have two sets of awesome grandparents.

Right before Mama and Papa left, Ashley asked Papa's advice on our grapevines. Earlier in the weekend they had wired them up.

Overall a fun birthday weekend!

Cake and Trips in June

June is over halfway over. I can't believe it! Levi has turned 3 (that post will come later) and Mason is 14 months old today. Wow.

The month started off with baking a fresh peach cake (recipe in Food Network Magazine). YUM! Levi helped!

I spent the first weekend of the month in Charlotte for one of my best friend's from high school's bachelorette weekend adventure. What fun. Even though I had a yucky cold, I wouldn't have missed this for the world. Jennifer's friends planned an awesome time (and each step was revealed as needed). Our fun times included lunch at Cabo Fish Taco, seeing Bridesmaids, a poledancing class (craziness!!! but lots of fun!), and dinner and dancing in downtown Charlotte.

We all wore "little black dresses" to escort our favorite bride-to-be around.

Oh sweet Jennifer! We've known each other for a long time and I'm so happy that she's met Scottie.

Last weekend we went up to NC to see my family. The boys got to cruise around on the pontoon. Here they are captaining with Papa Charles.

Relaxing!

Mason sporting his swimwear.

Ashley, Levi and I braved somewhat chilly water and enjoyed a lake dip.

Mama and Papa, at dinner at Smokehouse BBQ in North Wilkesboro.

All of us at Smokehouse.

Papa playing with his favorite little boys in Joshua and I's old bedroom. Joshua built these bookcases last year. My brother has such impressive talents. So proud of him.

And Sunday, we went to Julian Price Lake for a McNeil family picnic. Mason enjoyed himself.

Levi really enjoyed himself, playing in the creek I remember playing in as a kid.

My cousin Heather's twin girls, Estella and Vivenne (1 year old).

The crowd gathered under the trees.

Tuesday the boys and I met up with my friend Susan and her children at the zoo. Breeley and Levi had a big time hanging out, including knocking on the window at the gorilla.

Neither gorilla seemed concerned with their presence.

Mason was fascinated with the large turtle!

And Levi loved milking the cow.

Zack and Mason chilling out.

And when we got home, the boys and I had a picnic on the front porch with Windy.

It's been a good few weeks. I'll try to be better about updating the blog. I really just needed to rest after a crazy month and half. Now I'm refreshed and ready to go!