My Birthday 2011

Saturday was my birthday. I turned 33 years old. It started out as a huge bummer. Vlad is gone, and I was stuck at home with the four kiddos, who were sweet about their birthday wishes, but were not exactly planning a surprise party. But we remedied the situation with an afternoon out. I rounded up the kids, and one neighbour friend, and we took off for the zoo. But first, a stop at the steam train! 

This is the best shot I got of everyone together. Seriously, I'm awful at taking group pics of my kids. 

But train robbers...now THAT is a pic I can take! :)

What's a train robber without a Sherlock Holmes to solve the crime? 

After the train we headed to the zoo. We got rained out after about 20 minutes, but it was a sweet little stop. Too bad my camera battery ran out at the train! :) We hurried on to the movies, where we had a great time. No one even left their seats. 5 kids, and one mom who thoroughly relaxed at the movies - I call that success. It turned out to be a fun birthday after all, despite the lack of adult conversation.