Who knew?

Who knew cooking could be so dangerous?

Last night after we got home from celebrating Alex's birthday, I opened up my new Mandoline set to try it out. I was excited to experiment with a few of my new cooking tools.
Long story short...I ended up with 5 or 6 stitches in my lower palm. Good times.
That was my first emergency stitch encounter. It was a bit tricky because the wounds (2 cuts) are over the lunate (bone). And of course it's on my right hand. They are about a 1/2 inch long and 1/4 inch deep.

Sigh. I was brave all by myself. Yes, I realize I sound like a baby.

Nanny....chef?? (echo, echo).

Birthday PS

Alex's favorite TV show is Pet Star on Animal Planet. Pet Star is a talent show where all types of animals perform for a panel of judges.
Alex ALWAYS gives every animal a 10. She thinks I am mean because I award 7's, 8's and 9's.

Today we got her dressed in her special birthday outfit and when she was completely ready to go she stopped, climbed up on the counter so she could see herself from head to toe in the mirror and said, "yep, now THIS is a 10!"

I love her!

Happy 5th Birthday, Alex!

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY, ALEX!

AlexDarby.com,
I can't even believe you are 5 years old today. How is that possible? I love you so much it hurts. You are soooo grown up. Thank you for cleaning your playroom last night all your own without us asking just so you could make us proud. You always make us proud. You make my life better. You are my best friend. I love you, I love you. You just don't know what you do to me, sweet girl. I love you more than all the birds in the sky, all the ice cream cones in the world, and more than all the fish in the ocean. And that's a LOT!
Love,
Mommy

Daddy-Daughter Dance

Last Saturday, daddy (the handsome prince) asked his princess, Alex, to the ball. She was so excited and graciously accepted the date. We told her she would be getting a surprise from daddy (which was a corsage) but she thought she would be getting a diamond ring, because princesses get married at the ball. How precious is that? Daddy told Alex that night that she will always have her daddy's heart.
The prince and princess had a magical evening. They danced and played all night long. Daddy was especially happy to go with two other dads to maintain his sanity. Alex played with Abbi & Grace all night and the three girls couldn't have had a better evening. Alex got to play the Limbo, got a crown painted on her face and had a LOT of sugar. Note: See Alex vs. cupcake video below for proof. Here are some pictures and video from the evening:

Daddy and Alex before the dance

Abbi & Alex

The three princesses: Alex, Abbi & Gracie

Alex making a sugar cookie

Alex hugging the balloons-- she had so much fun!

Here is a video of Alex being presented at the royal ball:

Alex vs. cupcake:

If you can't view the videos, click here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_v-d5nvakk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlqrnLvTM3Y

These two melt me in a way I could never imagine. Nathan, thank you for being such an incredible father to our children. You are amazing.