Busy weekend

It has been such a busy weekend around here!
On Thursday, dh finally got some long overdue brass:

He was promoted to Sergeant on Thursday. We are all so proud of him! It was well deserved and like I said, so long overdue. (That pic is so blurry (as were many taken that day) but let's not even go there! Also, I'm sure he's going to be thrilled I shared this pic with the world considering he hates that hat!)
Well with Thursday night being his PBA golf league and his having a retirement party to go to in Rochester on Friday night, I was finally able to throw him a surprise party to celebrate his promotion last night. I made sure to have all his favorite foods catered by his favorite local restaurants and it really was a surprise. I thought we'd never be able to surprise him.
Then this morning, we hosted a breakfast in honor of the Boilermaker road race.
I just finished cleaning the house and I have to admit, I'm beat. I'm going to sit down and do absolutely nothing for a little while. That is, until I have to go to the grocery store!

A good day

Yesterday was a good day, a special day. You know, one of those days that make you wish that everyday could be like it. But then again, if everyday was like it, it wouldn't be special anymore. (Didya get that? LOL)
We started out the day by going to breakfast.
Then we did a little shopping.
Then we bought this:

A 2008 Mercury Milan. This car has all those features that make you talk to your car...like "call John on cell" and "play artist Alicia Keys"...stuff that is way advanced for me, yet really cool at the same time. Now at least when someone catches me talking to myself (which always happens) I can always lie and say I'm just talking to the car!
Then we hung out for awhile.
Then we went out to dinner.
Then we ended the day at my sister's house with all my family.
See? A good day!
I hope all of you had a good day too.

Thanks Melonie!

I just received this adorable painting from the ever-talented Melonie. How cute is this little octopus? Mel's etsy shop has some of the cutest paintings and such. Take a look here. I love everything and could seriously buy one of each. Mr. Octopus is now hanging in the kids' bathroom and he looks awesome! (Olivia was angry because she thought it was going to hang in her room!) Thanks again Melonie for sharing your talent with me! (and the extra goodies as well)

Three cheers for the red, white & blue!

Looks like we are in for one great day today! The weather is beautiful...pleasant. We're going to my sister's house for a huge cookout and then to see the fireworks later tonight. The above photo is just one of the desserts I made to bring to my sister. Who doesn't love a cupcake? Especially a huge, patriotic one! Our whole weekend is just jammed with parties, so I'm looking forward to that.
Hope you all have a fun and sun filled 4th (be safe too)!