Friday, I was able to leave work early and hang out with Brandon and Ryder at not ONE but TWO basketball games at the Nisqually courts. It was his birthday weekend, how could I argue with basketball (even though I thought about it multiple times). We had planned on going to see the Point Defiance Zoo Lights after his game but then they won and so they had a second game and after the second game it was too late. :( SAD FAMILY! Home we went.
Saturday, was Brandon's BIRTHDAY!!!!!! I started the morning off right by running to the store for all the ingredients we needed for Apple-Cinnamon Monkey Bread then ran and got his morning coffee while he snuggled in bed with dogs and Ryder. I had a blast making apple monkey bread, from this recipe, it's perfect and easy! My only suggestion is MORE APPLE! There is never enough apple.
Step by step photos of the Apple-Cinnamon Monkey Bread:
 |
| Peel and dice apple |
 |
| Slice cinnamon rolls in quarters |
 |
| Mix together dry ingredients (I also added a little brown sugar) |
 |
| Put some on apples and toss. |
  |
Baked Plated with frosting.
|
Then Brandon went to show a house before we could really get the day started. Ryder and I got ready (sort of, I put clothes in the dryer and we watched a Christmas movie) When he got back we finished getting all spruced up and then headed out the door to visit Da who we hadn't seen since last weekend for a little while before the game. We played cards and showed her new pictures and asked all about how she was adjusting and she seemed so upbeat and so extremely happy we couldn't believe it was the same Da. She was so worried last week and this week she has friends and is getting out for holiday cheer and is just enjoying every bit of it, she is such a party girl I think we all knew she'd love it. Who knew she'd adjust so fast!!! We had to head out after about an hour or two because Brandon had a basketball game in Nisqually, it was his birthday I couldn't protest if he wanted to play ball. Ryder fell asleep in the car so we just waited there, with the car running since it was FREEZING, while he ran a quick game.
I had planned a dinner with friends later in the evening and Brandon's new favorite restaurant, that I hadn't yet been to, called Aya Sushi. It was so yummy and such good company, good to catch up with some people we dont get to see all the time. Our friends Joe and Joann offered to have us all head back to their house for cookies and ice cream, yes please! It was so nice to hang out and see everyone and celebrate Brandon because he is so special to me. For the last few years I've been trying to give this guy a birthday party but he always makes me cancel so I sent out a paperless e-vite (which is totally painless) and a reminder and set everything up without him having a say in it at all! Food was good, company was better and the reason was well worth it!
 |
| Ryder couldn't be bothered with a smile. |
After we got Ryder, and even ourselves... all hopped up on ice cream sandwiches with fresh hot cookies (THANK YOU JOANN!) we decided to see if the ken lake lights were up and ready and they were! So funny and I can't wait to go back to see what all they end up doing, and Ryder is really excited to put something in their drop box but mostly he's concerned with where it is. Kids...
 |
| Another Google AWESOME photo |
Everyone was pretty riled up for the game and it was a close game the whole time. I was so excited I wore myself out and fell asleep on the couch! Hahahaha Well it was all fun and games until I woke up with a seriously pinched nerve! OUCH!!!!
Of course now that I'm in some excruciating pain Brandon wants to try to go to zoo lights again, not a chance. I some times feel like my size and pain doesn't register with that guy! I'm still completing all the same tasks I was not pregnant and I am exhausted. I can't say I do all the exact same because I usually take two days to finish laundry instead of 1/2 but I get tired... and MAYYYYBEEE I don't feel like cooking dinner every single night, but I think that's allowed right? Anyone? Fellow mamas? -___- I sleep.
I'll end this weeks post with an adorable photo of our sweet (almost big brother) Ryder G and all his cuteness still trying to twirl his hair between his fingers through the baseball cap. I seriously love this guy!
 |
| Ryder surrounded by pillows, avoiding Sunday night bed time |
