Skate for Andy's 28!

Andy turns another year older this year (Monday is his 28th birthday), so we celebrated in true Andy-style: We skated!

Andy's nearest and dearest met at Des Moines's skating rink for fun and good times. We all donned skates, and Andy's mom - Kris - was the first to bite it, soon followed by Carter! At least Kris made it to the floor! Carter, who wasn't as into roller skates as she was ice skates, got restless. While sitting with me in by our table, she lost her footing and slipped to the floor. She didn't fall hard or fast, but she did knock her nose on the table, making her bleed a little. Of course, in Carter-terms, it was the end of the world .. until she was given a toy! Then, amazingly, it didn't hurt!

After all major catastrophes were taken care of, we all took laps to "Down Town," "Big Butts," and a few Fergie songs. We also lost miserably at the Number Game. At one point, I think there was a Moonlight Skate to a Kelly Clarkson slow song. Carter was infatuated by the disco ball, sparkling lights and darkness, so she and I skated while it was slower and less crowded on the rink. Her smile, and grasp on my neck, and smooch at the end were irreplaceable. Maybe it was the sweet lights and calm, or her tiny hands hugging my neck, or the neat new experience, but our Moonlight Skate is one of those memories I won't forget.

Andy also got called to the DJ booth to count down his HAPPY BIRTHDAY! He was the oldest to be in the booth, and we were the loudest of the night! None of that surprises me what-so-ever!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, 2! WE LOVE YA!

Carter dons little skates and complete interest!

That bracelet was awesome!!

Skating with Mommy! Wee .. kinda ..

2 takes the DJ booth!

Chalupa's on Skates!

"The Incident." I suppose we're actually pretty lucky that she's just shy of 2 now, and this is our first real encounter of blood! I was just worried we'd broken her! She's too cute to break!

The Birthday Boy!

Carter and I return from our loss at the number game. The DJ plays a song, when it stops, you get to a number, he calls a number - if you're on it, you're out. We started at the entrance to the rink, and only got from the entry to 6, from 6 to 5, and from 5 to 4. We didn't even make it 1/3 around the rink with her skating! But, she had fun!