A trip to the Firehouse Museum!

A couple weeks ago we decided to have a family afternoon and head to the Firehouse Museum in Ypsilanti. Kyle looked online to make sure they were open, and according to their webpage they would be open all day. We were all very excited, especially Brett! Well, just as luck would have it, as soon as we arrived and walked up to the door, we saw what no parent wants to see...a "Sorry, We're Closed" sign. Before we could say anything to Brett, we saw all the lights on and assumed it must have been a mistake -- I mean, their website said they were OPEN! So, we walked inside. Brett's eyes lit up as he saw all the firetrucks and toys and we were just about to take a sigh of relief when a woman quickly walked our way, and before she could say anything we knew what was coming. She explained that the museum was closed today for a private event and that we would have to come back another day. And to try and make things better, she handed us over 3 free passes for the next time we made the trek out there. Kyle informed her he had checked their website and it said they were open, and you know what her response was? "Oh yeah, we never change or update that page". WHAT?! What kind of business are you guys running here!? When we told Brett the news, the tears came instantly - and as heartbreaking as it was to see those tears, I felt a little better knowing that this lady had seen how upset he was. Maybe, just maybe, this was a learning experience for her and she would talk to the boss about keeping up with their webpage! But...probably not.

Now, fast forward a week, and we were ready to try again -- but this time Kyle CALLED. And they were OPEN! Yeah! We also got to use our free passes which was nice. Here are some pictures from the day :-) I wasn't able to get many good ones because Brett was so busy exploring there was no time to stop for a picture - but I did get a few action shots :-)

Brett had fun making noise by ringing all the different "fire bells" that were used long ago! They actually sounded pretty, much better than the sirens today!

 Although the place was filled with many old firetrucks, Brett got the most entertainment by looking at all the collectible firetrucks and stations in the glass display cases. It was so cute to hear him tell little stories about what was happening :-)

After looking at everything in the museum, we ventured to the basement to play! There were puzzles, books, games, and even real helmets and jackets to try on (but of course our little boy wouldn't have anything to do with that part!). The plastic firetrucks and large puzzle were his favorites :-)

I highly recommend checking this museum out, especially if you have little ones who love firetrucks! And just to be safe, call ahead to make sure they're open!

Brett's 4th Birthday Party!

When Kyle and I started talking about where to have Brett's birthday party this year, initially we were stumped. The Hands on Museum was such a success last year...how would anything we picked this year compare? We didn't want to pay an arm and a leg since he is only 4, but of course we wanted it to be fun and great experience for everyone invited. Then, one day back in October I came upon  a Groupon deal for the Teddy Bear Factory in Chelsea...and it was half off the regular price! I told Kyle about it, and we thought that would be a great idea! Kyle knows the manager there, so when we ran into her and told her we were going to purchase the groupon, she said, "don't even bother...I'll give you guys the deal whenever you decide to book the party!". Awesome! Brett was excited to get to make his own stuffed animal, but really, I don't think the actual place of the party even mattered to him. He just wanted to be with his friends, have cake, and open presents! As soon as his official birthday and Christmas were over, the questions started coming about his birthday party..."Is it my birthday party yet?", "How many more days", "Are all my friends going to be there?". It was just so cute to see his enthusiasm, and even though he was super excited for his birthday last year, it rose to a whole new level this year - more like an actual 'big kid' might act. I feel like this 'big kid' attitude came over night, and I am often taken aback by the things he says. Where did my baby go?! And if I'm feeling this way now, I can't even imagine what I will feel like next year when he turns five!

Early on (like months ago!), Brett told us he wanted his birthday cake to have a firetruck on it. Wish granted!

Party hats anyone?

Brett gave a welcoming hug to his good buddy, Carter. He was so happy to see him! 

While we waited for everyone to arrive, the kids ran around crazy!

Then it was time to line up and get the party started!

First, the kids got to pick out which animal they wanted to make...

Next, they each got to choose a picture that would be printed on their animal's t-shirt.

And then the stuffing began!

When the kids finished their animals, they did some coloring (and more running around!) while we all waited for the pizza to arrive. Sweet little Greta really liked the coloring part :-)

And so did Brett :-)

There was a little too much time in between making the animals and the pizza arriving, so while we waited (and waited some more), we let Brett open his presents. He was definitely a fan of that activity! 

The boys (and Greta) sat in awe looking at the new train sets Brett got!

After opening presents, the pizza finally arrived and everyone mowed! And then it was time for CAKE!!!!!!!

I think Brett may have been more excited about the fire truck than the actual cake!

Not the best family pic, but the only we got! Our little boy was just way too busy to pose for a picture!

Time to blow out the candles!

And then EAT! Before Brett took a bite though, he had to check out all the decorations that were on his cake!

 

The best part of child's birthday party? When they eat!! The kids are all contained for a few moments and the adults get to finish a sentence! Ha!

And here is Brett's bear that he made! I love the t-shirt with his name on it :-) 

Brett has been sleeping with his bear every night since the party :-) Definitely a keepsake we will have forever!

Although the party didn't compare to the Hands On Museum last year, overall I think everyone had a good time! There were definitely some blips during the party that I wasn't happy about - but as my friends reminded me, no one noticed but Kyle and I. Brett's favorite parts of the party were running around with his friends as they arrived, opening presents, and eating CAKE! :-) He loves his bear, but he wasn't as into making it as I thought he would be. He was a little overwhelmed at that point because of the craziness going on around us (and so was I!) so I think that added to his lack of interest. He liked picking out the truck print to go on the t-shirt though! Thank you to all who came to celebrate with us! We are so grateful to have such great people in our lives!

Christmas!!!

We had such a wonderful Christmas this year! It was one of those Christmas' where I really tried not to take anything or anyone for granted. Life is short, and you just never know when someone may be taken from you. I initially had some  moments of frustration because, yet again, Brett was sick during the holiday. I was bummed because I wanted him to be able to enjoy Christmas to the very fullest - and for myself, I wanted to see that. Plus, when we went to my parents he was more clingy and needy...and that was hard when I wanted to socialize with family I don't see very often. But then it hit me. After the tragedy at Sandy Hook, there are so many parents that would do anything just to have their child with them - sick, hurt, none of that would matter, if they could just have them back, have them to take care of. Having a sick little boy on Christmas was a blessing, a blessing because I had him there with me. I looked at him and the rest of my family in a new light...each and every one of them is a gift that means more to me than any store bought present ever could, and that is what really matters.

Even though Brett wasn't feeling 100%, we really did have a great day. He woke up bright and early to a a full stocking and many gifts to open under the tree. How fortunate we are to be able to give him a Christmas like that! 

After opening presents and playing for a little bit at our house, we drove over to my parent's house to spend the day with my family. Matt and Amy were there, and later on my dad's cousin, Teri (who we hadn't seen in years!) joined us as well. It was so nice to see everyone and have a whole day together!

Brett was so excited to give my parent's the gift he picked out and painted for them...what could it be?!

"It's a firetruck, Yana! And you can put money in it!"

We took turns opening one present at a time, and surprisingly Brett did pretty well! Of course, he got a little antsy at times, but overall I was impressed!

I love my dad's expression in this pic! Think he was surprised? :-)

One of my brother's birthday gifts (yes, his birthday is on Christmas, one day after Brett's - the two of them are destined to be birthday buddies for life!) was this awesome antique pocket watch that used to by our grandfather's. My parent's got it polished and working again before they passed it on to Matt. A treasure for sure!

I absolutely LOVE the plates Amy got for me!!!

After opening presents, daddy duty called....time to help Brett put new toys together!

And then play with Uncle Matt :-)

I love this picture of my mom!

My mom is such an amazing decorator, I had to take a picture of her table setting! The pic doesn't do justice though...it was absolutely gorgeous and looked like something out of a magazine!

My friend Deborah makes this amazing chocolate strawberry dessert, and I loved it so much I gave it a go for our Christmas/birthday dessert. Despite a few setbacks (she really meant it when she told me to poor the cold whipping cream in S-L-O-W-L-Y into the hot melted chocolate!), it turned out pretty good. I'll give myself a B-. I will do better next time! Ha!

We spent most of our day eating, sipping wine, playing with Brett, eating some more, and catching up. We also took some pictures with "Cousin Teri". We hadn't seen her in so long, it was a must!

Cousins! I loved hearing the stories from when they were kids!

Teri surprised us all by bringing gifts! She is just too sweet! Kyle enjoyed rocking it out with Brett's new electric guitar!

And so did Amy! Btw..isn't this an awesome picture? My brother is a pro!

Although surrounded by new toys, Brett's favorite part of the night was picking sugar cubes up with the sugar picker upper thing. Go figure.

Pretty cool, huh? We'll get him that for Christmas next year :-)

We finally drove home around 11pm, and Brett fell asleep the moment the car started. We had a wonderful Christmas and have so much to be thankful for.