Jocelyne's Birthday and Visit to Nonie's

Last week, we celebrated Jocelyne's seventh birthday. I can't believe how time has flown. Seven! I decided that I would start a new tradition and we had a "Day of Spoiling" on her birthday. She got to pick where to eat for lunch and dinner, she got to go shopping and pick her presents and she got to go to the bakery and get a cookie then pick out a huge cupcake for after dinner. I tried to not say "No" all day (if you know me, you know that was impossible, but I did bite back the word a few times!). I might mention that Jaxon also enjoyed Jocelyne's birthday immensely as he also got to partake in all these things! I will have to change "Day of Spoiling" for next year a little since breakfast and lunch were both McDonald's (my least favorite place) and dinner was Taco Bell (not as bad as McDonald's but not good after all the other junk from the day).

Memere and Paw Paw stopped by to give Jocelyne her presents. They gave her some really cute clothes that she can't wait to wear.

We had a great day playing, eating, and shopping. I think Jocelyne enjoyed the new tradition. The next day, we left to go visit Nonie in her new home. The place looks great and the kids had a blast spending time with Nonie (as always). Jocelyne got to open presents (again!) and was pleased with her new shoes and clothes that Nonie bought. With the clothes that Memere had bought, Jocelyne is ready for the new school year with a styling wardrobe.

For all you with little girls, beware buying cute clothes, shoes and jewelry. Little girls suddenly become grown up when given all these things at once and attitudes can start to blossom!

Jocelyne has suddenly become interested in looking good. Up until now, dressing was all about "comfortable". Now, she wants to look good. Heaven help us!

At Nonies, we also got to visit my Aunt Cathy and Uncle Darrell, who had all their grandkids over at one time. They have 5 under the age of 4! We got the kids together for some cute pics.


I also tried my photographer friend's tips on picture taking to take these pictures. I will continue to just take my children to her for fantastic pictures. I can't seem to do it myself. Here are my attempts:

Thank goodness for Faithful Steps Photography! Visit her website to see what pictures should look like.

On Friday night, we went to see the hot air balloons that were in Longview for the Texas Hot Air Balloon Race. It was an amazing sight! We got to walk among the hot air balloons. I can't tell you how huge they are and what a sight when the light them all up at once. I tried to take some pictures, but as I just mentioned, I'm not very good at that. Apparently, I should have changed the setting on my camera to capture images at night. Oh well. Here are some pictures to try to give you a little idea of how beautiful these balloons are.


Not only did we get to see this awesome sight, but the kids got to play on some jumpy things and enjoy a festival atmosphere (which they love almost as much as I do. I love, love, love festivals and carnivals!!).

After all this fun, we returned home on Saturday, then on Sunday, Jocelyne got to bring two girl-friends to lunch and the movies. We went to eat pizza then watch Beezus and Ramona. Great movie! So, all in all, Jocelyne had a great birthday. Good thing it only comes once a year, though, cuz I am worn out!!

Just a few other pictures from the week: