Daddy's Birthday Weekend Extravaganza!

We had a few surprises planned for Daddy this year.  His birthday always falls right around the Browns season opener (which his mom always gets him tickets to).  That means he's usually driving to and from Ohio around his birthday either by himself or with his buddies.  This year he really wanted me to go with him...I know how sweet right?!  Since it was his one birthday wish I said yes:)  I'm not a big football fan, but I do like to watch it in person much better than on TV and I've always been a Browns fan because my dad loved them so much.  And if you're wondering...yes we are both from Ohio.  Anyway, we made it a family affair and drove everyone up to Ohio for the weekend.  We even let the kids skip a day of school!  

Friday night started with a special dinner out with his sister, Beth Ann and her best bud Ian.  Beth Ann lives in St. Louis so we don't see her a lot anymore:(  We really liked it when she lived closer!  We went to this awesome restaurant in downtown Cleveland and enjoyed some wine and very yummy food.

 This night actually was Ian's birthday so we celebrated both of the boys' birthdays with a special dessert:)

After dinner we went to the new casino called The Horseshoe.  It's so much smaller than the ones we are used to in Vegas but still nice.  The boys played on the craps table for hours!  We finally pulled them away with some extra dough in their pockets:)

The next day was the biggest surprise...a special surprise birthday party!!!  Keith doesn't get to see his family in Ohio very often so I made sure this time they'd all get a chance to see each other.  The party went great and I actually did surprise him!  That's something I tried to do way back in our dating years, but then ended up spilling the beans at the last minute.

The birthday boy always gets a cake with his favorite thing...no matter what his age.

 The following pics are everyone who was able to come out and hang out for a few hours with us.

  I even got two of his bestest buds to come!!!

 Sunday the four of us tailgated and then went to the Browns game.  Fun, fun, fun!!!

 I liked this large Browns-colored Jenga

 Keith's aunt and uncles joined up with us for a drink.

 Grandma and Grandpa graciously watched all 3 kiddos so we could enjoy the game.  They had a GREAT time getting ice cream and watching lots of kites fly at Edgewater Park.  Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!!

It was a terrific weekend!  We had such a great time catching up with friends and family.  It had just been too long since we were all together.  Thanks to everyone who made a special trip out to see us:)  And thanks to those of you who sent well wishes, cards, and gifts, too.  I know Keith especially was very appreciative that you all took time to come and help celebrate his birthday with us.