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Well hello Blinkenstaff's!

Winter has arrived and with the cold weather apon us I'm looking high and low for places to warm up and entertain a 2 year old. One of the favorites for sure is Blinkenstaff's toy store at the Riverwoods. It's what I imagine FAO Swartz must be like in NYC. All sorts of toys that the kids can try out and play with before you buy. None of those Toys R Us tantrums taking place when I won't rip open the saran wrap vaccum packed toys. Here they are all strewn about for the picking. And best thing is the FREE horse ride. Save your quarters people and have a yeehawin time. The worst part is that I have often found Dev licking the life size candy Christmas tree. Yuck. But well worth the hours of self entertainment it provides. Now all they need is some comfy couches lining the walls for me to relax on. Don't you worry Blinkenstaff's, we aren't total toy playing moochers, we actually leave with a purchase every time thanks to Devro's amazing fit throw downs. And like I can say no to a glass bottle of soda and imported candy bars anyhow. Yes Blinkenstaff's, we'll be seeing you weekly. 

Blinkenstaffs.com

Devro's Dino Day

I did it! I figured it out. It's been so long since I've blogged that I had to update my editor. 

So now we can all share in the joy that was Devro's birthday. Can you believe it? Some people may not even believe I really have a kid due to my blogger absence. But alas. March 29, 2010 Devro Lee Radebaugh became ours and look at him now. For his birthday Kevin gave him what all little boys love, an honorary PHOTO SHOOT. Some of our Favorites:

Kevin is quite talented!

Then

for a more age appropriate celebration we went to the Zoo. I didn't know Utah had a zoo! 

The monkeys wouldn't let him in their cage.

Nor would the elephants.

So he settled for a fossilized tree.

And a DINOSAUR egg. 

He rode his first rhino with cousin Ellie and Tommie.

And road the train, which of course he wanted off of.

And spent the rest of the day gossiping with his buddy about how many diapers a day they're using. 

Tommie is just one month older so they have lots to talk about.

The big man came home to some awesome toys.

Every one year old needs a ball pit right? 

Especially one that consumes your entire living room.

And finally, PARTY TIME!

From the moment baby Devro met his first dinosaur he was a fan.

 Kevin, taking this cue to engrain some manliness into Dev, bought him a stuffed dino. 

It has been a sentimental subject ever since. So the theme was easy. 

(and yes, you MUST have a theme, how else can you plan accordingly.)

My Mom was planning to come help with Dev's Dinosaur party so I had 

planned all sorts of crafts to engage her time with. Of course my Dad, being stubborn like he is,

had to go have surgery on Devro's birthday. (jk pops). So she stayed to 

take care of him. So was left with lots of craft supplies and luckily one willing husband.

Kev cut out dinosaur feet to lead the crowd in the right direction.

He made picture centerpieces and painstakingly helped me hand sew 

what seemed like thousands of party favor dinosaurs. 

He saved my almost failed attempt at "Dino Cake Ball Pops" with some

pretty amazing decorating details.

 

He made these adorable banners.

And strung them all over. And to top it off he cleaned the entire house 

(Aren't me and Dev lucky..stop drooling. ;) 

...while I made these: (not a fair trade)

I have been dying to try my hand at royal icing. Best sugar cookies ever. Thanks Linds.

Devro's Iguana  Dinosaur Cake. Not bad for 30 minutes before the party started. haha

Mom can you pleasssse get me an icing bag and tips for christmas?

Finally... the guests arrived. 

Cousins...

friends and precious babies...

Aunts and Uncles...

Strangers that wanted to adopt Devro...

Small friends...

Tall friends...

 

Best friends. (Dev Loooves to crawl on Staci)

THEN the action. (it was minimal)

"Happy Birthday to You"

Kevin was unaccustomed to the "one to grow on" candle. 

In following the tradition my sister has set, someone had to shove the poor

little guy's face in the cake....ellllllie.

Damage done.

Grandma washed him all up.

And the good stuff... I couldn't believe that so many people brought gifts. 

Gifts are usually NOT ALLOWED!!

Such amazing friends and family. 

Possibly his favorite... Paper. 

...are you kidding me?!! cute

He is one spoiled little man. (Little Man. Not a bad theme for party #2!)