The Perfect Weekend for a Birthday!

This past weekend Kevin turned the big three three. I told him next time he was a palindrome, he'd be 44. I think the scarier fact here is that Natalie will be 13!

Birthday's before kids were so much more adventurous. I'd arrange with Kevin's boss for him to have the day off of work and then I'd surprise him with a day of stuff planned that I thought he'd like. We've had some fun birthday dates over the years - from a helicopter flight lesson, to cooking lessons, to a surprise paintball party. This year, though, the it became more of a family affair. Kevin treated himself the week before to his present this year: his very own brewers kit. He's taken his love for all things gourmet to a whole new level and is starting to make his own beer. A friend of his got him started and I have to say, the result blows the stuff at the liquor store out of the water. As the kids start to play together more, I hope for his brewing times to be a time when I can crack open some of my cookbooks and try some new recipes too. A new way to spend time in the kitchen! As long as he doesn't start LOOKING like some of the guys I saw at the home-brew store. Imagine Grizzly Adams, turned biker.

For his birthday this year we visited a brewers store in the area for Kevin to stock up on some extra supplies and then headed to a trail to take the kids for a stroll. Natalie put on a good show and wore underwear (instead of diapers) out of the house for the first time (and had NO accidents)! Then Kevin and I went to one of our new favorite Baltimore restaurants, The Chameleon Cafe. Its a French-inspired restaurant that specializes in using local produce and meats on its ever-changing menu. Sooooo... delicious. I mean, I didnt know food could taste so good. I feel like my attempts at gourmet at home are like Chef Boyardee in comparison.



The rest of the weekend we pulled out the shorts and the short-sleeve-shirts and did LOTS of playing outside. It was in the 70s! It feels like we've been cooped up FOREVER this winter with all the snow we've had and it was fun to actually say "YES" when Natalie asked to ride her bike outside for a change.

Liam chillin in the grass. Still no teeth (I was wrong in my ealier post.) He drools like he's sprung a leak though. Not a problem now, but in 15 years it might be! =P

Oh the bike, the beloved bike, that she would probably like to cuddle up to at night if given the chance.
Natalie's friend, Sequoia, has a Barbie Hot Wheels that the girls had a good time taking a spin in. I'm imagining Natalie's face hurt from all the smiling she did while riding around in that thing.