Birthday Celebrations and More Pics of the Kids

Well, the week without Scott is nearing an end, and the birthday celebrations that I had this week certainly helped pass the time! Monday night my family got together for a yummy supper and cheesecake, as well as some fabulous presents! When they sang Happy Birthday to me, Kalia joined right in, but then afterward said "I think that I am the birthday girl!" Tuesday I was back to teaching after a long break due to Christmas, the stomach flu, and the COLD weather. It was nice to get back into it - I really enjoy teaching, and I have some very talented kids this year. Kalia talked about Scott a lot on Monday and I could tell she really misses having him around. Whenever she hears the door she asks if it's Daddy, and a couple of times when she's woken up from night or nap she says "Is Daddy home yet?" and then she looks crestfallen when I have to tell her no. It's sure hard to explain a timeline to a 2 year old. The best I can do is say that Daddy will be home soon. I miss sharing all of the little funny things that the kids do together with him, and just hanging out the four of us together! And it really shows how much parenting is a team effort when your husband is away! Only 3 days to go!!! Wednesday, I woke up to a Happy Birthday text from Scott, and then for lunch I went out with my mom and sister to the Pavillion at the park. Afterward, I took Kalia and Oliver to wander around in the Solarium and we had a lot of fun. One of the workers even brought Kalia food to feed the fish and turtles and I think that was the highlight of her day. She loved how they came swimming towards her and the little pellets of food and how the turtle bobbed its head around. Ollie was fascinated by all of the flowers and trees - he couldn't stop looking around at everything.
In the evening, I went over to my very special friend Amber's house for a birthday party with a few blogger friends (top picture). It was a nice 'girls night in' - something I haven't done a lot of since having kids. When I got back to put Kalia to bed, she said "Mom, I'm SO happy you're here!" Which just warmed my heart. She really has been such a good girl while Scott has been away, which is a huge answer to prayer. We had a play date with Amber and her girls this morning, and this evening I have a fun movie night planned at home with popcorn and licorice, just me and the kids! Tomorrow we are off to another play date in the morning and then there are only 2 days left until Scott is home!! Can't wait!!

Oliver looks a bit freaked out here! First experience seeing candles I think :)

Kalia 'helped' me unwrap my presents - which really means that she did it while I watched!

Me with the kids - we miss you Dad!!

** oh and just a side note: yesterday at lunch I discovered that Oliver has not only one new tooth but two! He's up to 5 now! (no wonder I haven't been getting much sleep - ha ha)