Friday, April 25, 2008

FFF - Spring Has Sprung - or maybe not


(ABOVE: Jaden climbing her first tree ... )

(ABOVE: This was taken last year but it gives me hope that maybe in 3 weeks we will be wearing tank tops outside!)

(ABOVE: The 'annual' Bike Riding photo ... Jaden is ready for those training wheels to come off soon she said!)

(ABOVE: Jaden outside Red Lobster after my birthday dinner with family!)

(ABOVE: Harley Dog enjoying the sun and being outside! She absolutely HATED the winter)

(ABOVE: Our Chocolate Fondue - the Yin and Yang, dark chocolate for Jason and white chocolate for me - it was simply delicious!)

(ABOVE: Our very SPRING looking tray of dippers for the chocolate Fondue at the Melting Pot!)

(ABOVE: Jason and I celebrating my birthday at the Melting Pot in downtown Minneapolis)
Well it is 'officially' spring in Minnesota but winter just doesn't want to let go quite yet! We had 5 glorious days of sunny temperatures in the mid 70's last weekend and the beginning of this week ... but Mother Nature is laughing at us this weekend with temperatures struggling to get out of the 40's and possible snow - yeah, you read it correct and believe me it isn't funny any longer and just plain isn't right if you ask me (and Jaden too!) We are spending time at the Mall this weekend to avoid actually having to LOOK at the weather. But last weekend was beautiful and we did spend time outside - all the neighbors came out from hibernation - and lots of dog walking and barking going on ... we are looking forward to opening the pool this weekend in spite of the weather - that is just our way of snubbing Mother Nature and opening the pool anyways! Hope you are all enjoying wonderful weather where ever you may be ... don't worry - it will get HOT here in no time and then we'll complain about the heat!


I did have wonderful weather for my birthday and it was a great weekend. Saturday was a little cloudy but warm ... we spent the afternoon with Jeff, Jolene, Hannah and Katie. I got great mixing bowls from Jolene and hidden inside them were white chocolate Lindt truffles ... yeah, she knows me well! I got my turtle Webkinz I wanted from Jaden and we named her Taloolah. Jason knows me all too well also and got me a gift card to Barnes and Noble ... YIPPIE! My parents took me shopping when they were here last month and I got new clothes and an actual purse that isn't a backpack! Jason's mom got me a great set of pots and pans and a very cute Watermelon serving set to use on the deck! All in all it was a great weekend and birthday! Jason and I actually had a date Saturday when Jaden decided to stay at Hannah's to play instead of going to the Melting Pot ... which was a good idea in hindsight - that isn't a very kid friendly place. There is an actual cooktop built into the table top - not too smart for roaming fingers! Sunday we met up with Jason's mom, cousin, aunt and uncle and headed to Red Lobster for dinner! It was yummy ... I had a great birthday and turned 31 without any tears (well from me anyway ... Jaden's goldfish Rockey did pass away Sunday morning but she is now the proud owner of Danios and Guppies!)

HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE! Stop over to Sarah @ http://www.kissthefrog4me.blogspot.com for more FFF contributors!

Love ~ The Clark Family ~ Rebekah, Jason and Jaden TOO!

19 comments:

Sarah said...

Sorry your weather has not warmed up yet... but I love the pics of yoru warm days so far. Jaden is a doll! And, Happy Birthday too!

Tricia said...

Okay, that is ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Friday!

and

Happy Birthday!

Rachel said...

Awe - love the one of her looking thru the tree - cute!

Milk Mama said...

That fondue looks yummy! I've never had fondue, but I'd love to try it! Your daughter is so adorable!!!

Lisa and Madeline said...

Happy Birthday. I did almost cry this year becasue I seem to be so much closer to 40 (just turned 37) I LOVE the Melting Pot. I have not been in a while, but it is awesome. The ying & yang was way too cool.

We have had great weather here too, but if it makes you feel any better it's supposed to rain here this weekend. So it put's a damper on some of the Derby events happening here.

Love the pic of Jaden in the tree. She is so photogenic. Have a nice weekend and always, thanks for visiting our blog.

Lisa & Madeline

Our Family of 5 said...

Great pictures! Happy friday!

Stacey and Dewey said...

Happy birthday!! OMG that chocolate fondue and dippers looks fabulous!! I have heard the Melting Pot restaurants were good, but I did'nt know that good :)
Oh and I love the saying on your header, thats why I choose "Adventure" in our bog too.
Jaden is just cute as can be!
Have a great weekend
Stacey

Tina said...

Happy Birthday (a few days late). Love your pics. Jaden is adorable! I hope the weather eases up for you soon.

Jenelle said...

Happy late birthday! I enjoyed your pictures. I love the first one. Cute! I hope the weather warms up soon, so you can wear tank tops and ride bikes!

Soltana said...

Happy belated birthday!!!

Love your spring pics:)

We have a Melting Pot too...except ours is a YUMMY pizz place.humm I think we may go there for dinner:)

Have a great weekend

Becca said...

I love the picture of the fondue - how cool! Happy Birthday and Happy SPring! Great pics - thanks for sharing.

Peace and Hugs,
Becca

Jennifer said...

Jaden is so cute! I want to just pinch her little cheeks!

Happy Birthday! Mine is tomorrow but I have a couple (okay MORE THAN A COUPLE) of years on you my dear! You young little chickadee!

Stay warm - Spring is almost here!
Jennifer

Laurie said...

Jaden is just adorable! I saw you like Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper is one of my FAVORITE books! :) Happy spring!

Laurie said...

Jaden is just adorable! I saw you like Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper is one of my FAVORITE books! :) Happy spring!

Heidi said...

Happy Birthday! I love Barnes&Noble too. Great gift! I love the picture of her climbing the tree.

Mackenzie's Forever Family said...

I'm so glad I have a reader from the Midwest. I so miss the snow. Don't have to wear bathing suits as early in the year there. THanks for checking out my blog. Your family is beautiful. And of course I'm including the pup in there.

Faithful Froggers said...

I just LOVE that first picture of Jaden - she is just adorable.

Happy Belated Birthday! Sounds like you had a wonderful time.

Hope the weather warms up for you soon! I can't imagine 40 degrees right now. :)

Anonymous said...

absolutely precious photos!!!! I hope it gets warm for you guys soon! We have gotten used to 75+ temps now and it's supposed to be cold for the next couple of days. I'm ready for full time spring/summer! :)

Kathy said...

Jaden is adorable! Happy Birthday. The fondue looks delicious. I hope the snow held off!