LIFE AS I KNOW IT, IS OVER...

Joey is 13...  YIKES!  I can't believe it -- I used to ask 'him what happened to my baby?', but then I finally figured out he ate my baby.  Mike and Joey share clothes and shoes -- but it won't be long before Joey is giving Mike hand-me-downs.  He was very specific about having a BIG family birthday party, so that's what we did!  Joey was the first grandchild on both sides, way before anyone else -- so this is what a 13 year olds party looks like in our family:

I'm pretty sure the kids had a great time

A house full of family

Tessa LOVES the doodles (and I mean, LOVES them)!

I was  nervous about letting the doodles run free with all of the little ones around -- I didn't want it to look like Mutual Of Omaha's Wild Kingdom -- you know, the dogs taking the kids down -- and everything happening in slow motion.  As we let the dogs out to 'run free', they became the hunted and were chased by kids screaming, "DOGGIES!!! DOGGIES COME HERE!!!  DOGGIES I WANT TO RIDE YOU LIKE A PONY!!! DOGGIES DON'T RUN AWAY!!!" Both dogs hauled ass and and ran for cover.  They got a little taste of their own medicine...  it's good for them.

The following weekend Joey wanted a paintball party with all of our friends, obviously it was a hit.  He invited his best friend Joseph -- who had never been before, but we knew he'd have fun. I caught a glimpse of him as he was 'preparing for battle' and I could see the fear in his eyes -- he was white as a ghost -- you couldn't even see his freckles.  Turns out he loved it and wants to do one for his birthday party.    

Mike taking money from a baby

Preparing for battle -- Joseph is the kid staring at Mike, nervously wringing his hands

Ellie.  Cute as a button, but put a paintball gun in her hands and she's out for blood