Melanie's 8th Birthday

Melanie turned 8 on March 21 - it seemed like just yesterday, that she was my baby. My time does fly....



Melanie's actual birthday was celebrated at home. As you can see, I wasn't feeling well (besides being nauseous from pregnancy, I also had a fever & a terrible cold.... so no fancy cakes this year - (sadly enough the strawberry one we made in the bundt pan to look pretty - even fell apart)

Getting ready to blow out her candles and make a wish

She blew them all out....

Opening Gifts

Pouting about something...

Obviously the pouting didn't last long...

The next day, was our anniversary (on Sunday) and Don decided to make a delicious turkey feast with all the trimmings for us all. Don's parents, & Teresa & kids came up to celebrate Mel's birthday & our anniversary with us. Don's parents gave us gift certificate for one of their favorite Italian Restaurants called DiNicolas -(which we just went to & it was one of the best Italian restaurants we have been to ever. We wish we had discovered this restaurant years ago).
Except for Don and Dayton, the whole family was sick with the flu (fevers, headaches, and vomiting) all week. Everyone was well by Sunday, but unfortunately, I was still really sick so I wasn't really able to socialize and enjoy everyone's company. I mainly just slept upstairs and then came down to say hi & laid on the couch in the living room.

Don's mom made us a delicious lemon meringue pie for dessert

Melanie opening her presents

Melanie got a dance mat from Grandma & Grandpa Coates. She loved it, well actually all of the kids love it and played on the dance mat for quite a while. Here are some pictures of the kids dancing on it:

Stuart (with Courtney's hair) - what a hilarious photo