Birthdays = yay! Rastafarian hats = boooo!

Both of Dallas' folks had birthdays this week, so we went up to Oskaloosa to celebrate with them and his brothers. Would you believe I didn't get even one picture taken? Not of the birthday boy or girl, not of their newly renovated and lovely kitchen, and not one of the torrential downpour we drove home in. All would have been great pics, but I guess I was too distracted by the Butterfinger ice cream cake. Happy birthday, again, guys! :)

The next day, we had several errands to run, but accidentally ended up at Wolfe's because I'd been bugging Dallas about wanting a new camera in general, but especially before the little punkin's arrival. And that sweet boy spoils me terribly. I got this:



And can now take pictures like this:



We had another birthday party to attend on Saturday at Gage park, so we went a little bit early to mess around with the camera at the rose garden.

Me: "Punkin! Go pose like a girl amongst the roses!"
Dallas: "No!"
Me: "Go stand next to that rose and put your fist under your chin Uncle Rico style!"
Dallas: "No!"
Me: "Go pose with that rock!"
Dallas: "Fine!"



Dallas: "Pose!"
Me: "No, I feel funny!"
Dallas: "Do it anyway!"
Me: "Goshhhhh..."
Dallas: "C'mon, I did it!"
Me: "Fine, I'll pretend like I have an itch on the part of my leg that's under this sweet boot."



Consequently, I have this picture saved as "bootitch".

So then it was time to go to the par-tay. It was for my friend Colleen (pronounced CO-leen, but everyone always seems to try to shorten it into one syllable instead, pronouncing it as "Cleen", so around us, she goes by "Clean".)

What's funny is, her birthday isn't until December, but I guess between holiday schedules and all, her husband couldn't find a better weekend than this one to surprise her. And surprised she was! He'd told her they were attending one of his co-worker's birthday parties, and even made her prepare a crock full of beans. So she walks in, beans in hand, and everyone yells "SURPRISE!!!" at her. Her reaction?

"Surprise what?"

Hahahahaa...

I failed to take any pictures at that party too, but here she is at lunch today.



She has really pretty teeth, right? She has a really pretty personality, too. She's the kind of friend you like to have around because she just is who she is, she'll call it like she sees it, and she's on your side when you need her to be. She's got one of those nice, even-keeled temperaments that allow you to feel comfortable calling no matter the reason because you know know what to expect out of her every time. She's also not prone to drama, which is a big plus in my book. And as my dad said at some point during junior high: "That Stallbaumer girl has her head screwed on straight." Tru dat, tru dat. Happy birthday, Cleaner!

This pic is saved as "cleanpepes". Because we ate at Pepe's. Amber and Kale were there too.



"Duuuuuude, you're not taking my picture, are you?" Why yes, yes I am. And I'm about to post it on the world wide web for all 12 of my followers to see.

All this birthday talk almost made me forget about our Sunday night festivities. We went to the "Make a Difference Tour" with Toby Mac, Third Day, Michael W. Smith and Max Lucado. Third Day and Max Lucado, I loved. The other two.... ehhh... are in their 40's and wearing skinny jeans with white sneakers and trying to be-bop around the stage to convince younguns that Jesus is cool. I'm on Team Jesus for sure, but I'm not on Team I Wear Rastafarian Hats Because I'm Balding But Can't Just Let It Go.

However, dude from Third Day had great style and since Dallas already hasn't shaved or cut his hair in a couple months, plus owns shirts with embroidered roses and pistolas, I thought this might be a good look for him:



Rawr.