I've sung her praises before and I'll do it again--but my fabulous mother in law made another last minute trip to help us out. Took care of our kids, decorated for Mark's birthday, took 1,038 pictures, took us to the Children's Museum, and got to come to our big ultrasound! We LOVE having you here, Oma!!
She always has high hopes of getting a good pic of the 3 girls together.

Mark and I had to leave for the day and when we got back she had set up this little surprise party for the night before Mark's birthday.



I just love both of their faces in this.


The thing about someone taking pictures all day long is it makes you come face to face with the harsh reality of your double chin. Also-Ava and I are making the same face. Except she has a better chin.

Then we headed to the Children's Museum because if I know Mark, the one way he would want to spend his birthday is there. :)

But I do think he had a pretty good time.




Whoah! I haven't been in a bubble like this since Taylor! :)

Teaching the girls to hula hoop. A skill they will never learn from their mother.

All she wanted was a picture with the girls by the sign. In a related story-that's all they DIDN'T want.


Ate a second lunch at the cafe...



And put Mark to work.


I think this kid was trying to use expired coupons.


For Mark's real birthday we celebrated with a very festive cinnamon pizza from Papa Murphys. I also learned Mark does not care for cinnamon pizza. He didn't tell me that for another week or so. Live and learn.

Mark has been collecting camo since our move to the swamplands.

His mother does not approve.

Beignets! (Traditional, but if we're being honest-I'd pick a good old donut any day of the week.)

A little lip gloss to get the day started off right.


This is the ultrasound room and Mark's reaction when she said it was a boy! :)

Feeding the ducks...

This is Mark leaving for work and me having a pity party. My norm lately. But thankful for a job he loves and three cute munchkins to keep me company. And also a babysitter that comes every week. :)

A few more bedtime hula hoop tricks.


We love Oma!!! And happy birthday Marky! It's great to be the same age for a few months. :)