Jacob's School Birthday Celebration...Yesterday, John, Julia, and I took snacks up to Jacob's class so his friends at school could celebrate with him. The kids made their own ice cream sandwiches. Yum!

Jacob's 7th Birthday...Well, our big boy is now a 7 yr old. Wow! How did that happen so fast? We celebrated his birthday Wednesday night while Greg and Joanne were here. His ultra-mega present was an electric guitar and amp. Rockstar!!!

Funny Signs...Here are a few funny/sassy signs we saw on our visit to NYC this week. And because we are silly people, we were forced to photograph them.

Greg and Joanne's Visit...John's brother, Greg, and his wife, Joanne, came for a visit this week. We had a really good time and I got to know them better. On Tuesday, we got a babysitter and the adults went into NYC for a little sightseeing. The nice thing is that they have been to Manhattan before so we just had a good time trying different food and wandering around China Town, Little Italy, and parts of the lower east side. It was a nice relaxed day. We even visited the oldest pub in NYC, McSorley's Ale House (see http://www.mcsorleysnewyork.com/).

Happy Easter! Thank you, Jesus, for washing away our sins and making the ultimate sacrifice so that we might have eternal life with you!

Elliott Family Sing Alongs...Well, we've added to our musical collection a lot lately. John has his acoustic guitar but has also gotten a beautiful spanish guitar. His new guitar has the most beautiful sound. Both kids have acoustic guitars and we have acquired a new microphone and stand. Well! This morning Jacob got an early mega birthday present. He now has his own flashy red electric guitar and amp. Wow! It is way cool! I can't believe how fast he learns. Something new every day. And he is becoming quite a singer. Here are a few pics and videos from the past few days. Super Cool!

Mighty Hunters...Our mighty hunters still manage to have fun even in 900 sq. ft! There is a lot of spy action going on and lots on bedrooms and a long hallway to duck in and out of. Way cute!

More Party Pics...

Including the 3 Amigos...Jamie, Jordan, and Julia

Jamie's Birthday Party...Julia and Jacob went to the birthday party of a little girl, Jamie, from Julia's class at school. They had a great time! Jamie and Jordan (the girl in the pink bows and the little boy) are Julia's running around buddies at school. All of us parents were comparing notes and all three kids talk nonstop about Julia, Jamie, and Jordan...good and bad. They are either playing together all the time or one of the kids has a bee in their bonnet and doesn't want to sit next to the other two at lunch. Their teacher says that is totally normal and all the kids take turn having a best friend on certain days. Wow! So early?!? Sounds like Jr. high... Anyway, the party was fun. The kids ate pizza, subs, ice cream sundaes and cupcakes. The girls decorated crowns. The boys decorated either shields or swords. The danced, did the limbo, and all around jumped around like mexican jumping beans. I think they have worn themselves out for the day...ha! Me too.....

My 3 J's...John and Jacob got new haircuts on Thursday. So, here are a few cute pics of the 3 J's in my life.

New Easter Dress...Last night while Jacob was at spanish class, Julia and I went to Kohl's to pick out her Easter dress. I picked out 5 or 6 dresses for her to choose from. With not a moment's hesitation, we had a winner! She was immediately enamored with this hot pink number with big multi-colored polka dots. It even twirls and has grosgrain ribbon tyes in the back. She was quite taken with her image in the mirror of the dressing room when we tried it on. (And mom was taken with the fact that it was on sale!) Once we got home, she insisted on wearing it for her dad and then again for Steve (college friend) and Trey (his co-pilot) when they came into town last night. She had a captive audience and was delighted.

Good Night, Long Beach...Last night John went for a walk on the beach before dinner. I'd say he got there at just the right time. Beautiful! I will definitely miss scenes like that once we are back in TX.

Working Girl...Last night, I got to work at Sutton Place for the first time in several months. It was really fun to get out and just be a regular adult for just a little while. It was fun to see everyone and just hang out and be friendly. John and the kids always have a big time when mom is gone so it is a win/win situation. Unfortunately, we had heavy rain from about 5:30pm until after I left work so it was a bit like navigating a boat to get home. Ha! I was going to hang out after work and catch up with my friend/boss, Deb, but didn't want to chance to high waters. As it was, when I left the water was coming up over the curb. I had to crawl into the car from the passenger side so I wouldn't have to wade through the deep water. Interesting.... And the funny part was that I was there working but there were a whole bunch of people in the bar area last night just having Friday night fun. I would not have gone out in that weather just to go drinking at a bar. It was REALLY yucky out! Go figure...

Family Fun Night...John, Jacob, Julia and I went to Family Fun Night at our church Saturday night. It was a potluck and talent show. The kids were all geared up about playing their guitars in the talent show. Jacob only wanted to play if his dad would play with him. So John, Mr. Super-Trooper who was sick, went to support the kids and play "Watchin' Airplanes" with Jacob and "Jesus Loves Me" with Julia. The food was all great but we soon discovered the talent show was going to be on the pulpit stage in the sanctuary. That is a whole different ballgame than fellowship hall. Jacob decided he was not ready for this bold occasion (john was even a little relieved) but oh no...Julia was even more ready to perform! Imagine that! Ha! So, when it was their turn, John and Julia went up to sing and play Jesus Loves Me. I came along to hold the microphone and Jacob was going to take pictures (but my camera was out of batteries...darn!). Well, hold the phone!!! As soon as Julia had possession of the microphone and a captive audience, all bets were off! Goodbye guitar, Hello microphone! She sang her little heart out through 2 verses while simultaneously trying to cram that microphone as close to her mouth as possible. The audience laughed, clapped, and thoroughly enjoyed our shy little wallflower...Ha! A Star is Born! (but we all knew it was inevitable, didn't we?!?!)