Friday, July 10, 2009

Gone Fishing

Tomorrow we head to Oregon for a family vacation. I have never been to Oregon before and I'm looking forward to see Crater Lake and the beauty it has to offer. We are also going to be staying at the Out 'n' About Treehouse Resort, where this will be our "room".

Yes, we are going to literally going to be tree-huggers for a few days.

Morgan is so excited to be staying in a tree house. The resort also offers several zip line courses, rope swings, rope bridges, kid forts, a swimming hole and lots of exploring.

See you in a week!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Birthday Celebrations

Morgan had her birthday party a couple weekends ago but she still had plenty of celebrations this week. On Saturday we went to Grammie's house.




Tuesday, her actual birthday, she opened the presents from us and Grandpa came over to celebrate. (And yes, that equal a total of three birthday cakes)


She's also developed quite the addiction. She obsession: stuffed animals. She received (by request) two Webkins (she already had three) and four plush Littlest Pet Shop. We went to the Disney store today and she wanted to use her birthday money on...you guessed it... four stuffed animals. At least they were buy one get one free.

She already had so many stuffed animals that we had to buy a special shelf for them. I think her goal is to fill her room completed with these fuzzy friends. She's well on her way!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Happy 5th Birthday Morgan

Where, oh where has the time gone? I swear I just blinked and suddenly you are five. Weren't you my baby just a minute ago?

2004

2005


2006

2007
2008
2009


You are growing into a beautiful, energetic, knows-what-she-wants, sometimes sassy, witty, hilarious, compassionate, and very smart young lady. I can only image what the next five years will bring.

We love you Buggaboo!

Monday, July 6, 2009

The 4th of July

This weekend has been super busy so I'm posting the 4th pictures a little late.

On Friday we headed out to Parker's H2O Water Park with the Moore's. We were there for almost four hours and I swear Caleb and Morgan went down the kiddie slide at least 100 times. Mark and I were forced to race Hannah down the regular water slides. I believe I am reining champion. We had so much fun, we will definitely go back again.

Saturday morning started with our community parade. Our local fire truck lead the kids on their bikes and scooters through the neighborhood. They started at the school, weaved in and out of streets and ended at the fire station. Even Champ got into the spirit of things.







The weather did not hold up during the day so our outdoor BBQ became an indoor event with the Meyer and Banaitis Families. It was nice just long enough for the kids to find their small plastic animals that we buried in the sand.



Luckily, the rain stopped in time for the fireworks so we headed out the Aurora Mall parking lot.



All of these excitment made for two very tired little girls.


Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Gone Too Soon

I am sad to announce that on Monday we lost Tonka. He was just over a year old.

Saturday night he was vomiting every couple of hours so Sunday morning we brought him in. An x-ray showed that he had a foreign mass in his stomach. It was small and the doctor wasn't too worried about it. He gave us some medicine to help it pass and told us to call back Monday if he wasn't better. The vomiting stopped but by Monday morning he was extremely lethargic and didn't look well. Mark brought him in for an ultrasound. It revealed that his intestine had folded in on it's self and the acid from his stomach was eating it. He was rushed to an emergency clinic where they attempted to operate. Once they started, they discovered that 12 inches of his intestine would need to be removed. The damage was extensive. It was a 50/50 shot. He would need at least two or more surgeries after this one. One of the side effects could be consistent diarrhea. We made the decision to stop the surgery.

Tonka was only with us for three months but he had become part of the family. When we got him, he had some serious physiological issues. He didn't trust people or other dogs. During the last couple weeks, he had come along way and was a content, happy dog. He still had issues at home with other dogs being near his backyard. He still had to be on leash most of the time or he would mark the house. But it was getting better. We were able to take him to the dog park without any incidents. He would not play with the other dogs, but there was no growling or cowering. He walked in the pack and was interested in what was going on.

He knew his commands like nobody's business. You could throw his tuggy and he would sit and wait until you gave him the OK that he could get it. The Friday before, I had the day off and took him up to the mountains to go hiking. Everyone, and I mean everyone on that trail commented about what a good/beautiful dog he was. And he was.

He also helped Morgan immensely. Before Tonka, Morgan had a couple of incidents with dogs that made her skittish. Since Tonka required such intense training, Morgan quickly picked up on it and engaged in it. You could see her confidence grow as she lead Tonka around, giving commands and having him listen. He quickly became her buddy.

Telling Morgan was heartbreaking. She cried and cried. We had just lost another American Eskimo in the Fall and now, we were losing another. She asked if we thought that Tonka was able to find Cheyenne up in Heaven and if they were able to be together. We assured her that Cheyenne and Tonka are playing together right now. We went for a walk and she saw the back of a sign taped to a street light. Her face light up and she asked if the sign was for Tonka. She rounded the street light, her face dropped and she said that it wasn't. She thought it was a missing dog sign for Tonka. I had to explain that he wasn't missing and therefore, he would not have a sign up for him.

Even Champ, our Lab and Abbey, the cat seem to be moping around the house and clinging to us more. He wasn't with us long, but he left a last impression that will be missed by us.







Monday, June 29, 2009

Morgan B and the Candy Factory

Morgan's birthday is not until July, but with the 4th on one side of it and our trip to Oregon on the other, we decided to have her party this past weekend. When planning the party, we gave her several option. Being the candyholic, she jumped at the Hammond's Candy Factory.


The party included a tour of their factory where they still make their candy by hand. Before the tour, they showed a short video. There were many ooohs and ahhhs as the different candies flashed across the screen as well as great excitement when they saw that Santa fills up his sled with Hammond candy canes in December (Note to self: buy these for stocking stuffers this year).

The kids were glued to the windows during the tour, as a lady narrated what they were looking at.



I thought it was a little disappointing that they only had three workers and two assembly lines going since all of the lines go during the week, but the kids didn't seem to mind. They couldn't take their eyes off the three workers that were there. The tour was short, consisting of two rooms, the kitchen and the packing room. Even Morgan commented on the length of the tour, but she still enjoyed it.

After the tour, the kids got to pick a piece of candy from a large vat and we moved on to the party room where we had pizza, cake and ice cream. Morgan had picked out a Little Mermaid stage cake. A stage cake is where you pay for a whole cake, but only get 3/4 of one.


Then they played two games of Candy Bingo, where the winners got (suprise!) more candy to take home.


The favors consisted of a coloring book, a rope lollipop and a barber pole. They thought it was neat that they saw the scissor that cut the end of their barber pole candy. The parents will be sending us their kid's dentist bills shortly.



Finally it was present time, or what I like to call The Kiddie Mosh-Pit. I don't care how far away all those kids start, by the time you are half way through opening presents, they have all managed to magically squeeze in an area that normally would fit three.




As the birthday girl, Morgan got to pick out a giant one pound lollipop and stuffed animal. She picked the pink bubblegum lollipop and a black bear wearing a Hammond t-shirt. Apparently one pound is extreme even for a candyholic because she asked the lady if she could trade her lollipop in for one of the smaller ones. The lady told her she could have both. Morgan was thrilled, us... not so much.


The party was labeled a success and Morgan left with a smile and great memories.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - Father's Day Style


More Wordless Wednesday Here and Here

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

No Water Bottles Required

Perhaps you have seen the list going around entitled "To kids who survived the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's" listing all the things we survived through our childhood that kids this days no longer get to experience. They range from things that were legitimately dangerous such as pregnant mom's who smoked and not wearing a seat belt to things that have simply gone to the roadside such as Little league having tryouts and not everyone making the team.

One of the things on the list was that we drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

This weekend Morgan got to experience this childhood joy. It did not come naturally. It took some coaxing and convincing that the water from the hose would not kill her. Mark explained how growing up, this was the only way he drank water in the summer. She still wasn't buying it so he had to take a drink first. Seeing that he didn't fall over, she decided to give it a try.


And now she can't get enough of it.


Monday, June 22, 2009

Father's Day 2009

Happy Father's Day! We had a nice quiet day hanging around the house. Mother Nature finally got the memo that it's summertime and cooperated long enough to take Morgan to our pool. Swim lessons have made her comfortable enough in the water to be dangerous. She was having a great time "swimming" back and forth between Mark and I, which I'm sure looked more like she was drowning to the causual observer.

After swimming Grandpa, Uncle Matt and Anne came over for a BBQ.


Mark showed off his mad new skills. Look out Gigi, you have competition now in balloon animals. Here he's made Morgan and Anne flower hats. While Mark might be embarrassed that he's inquired this new talent, Morgan thinks he's a rock star. And that my friends, is all that matters.


Morgan and Anne in their balloon hats.


Saturday, June 20, 2009

Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut

You might be a bit odd when the following occurs:

Coming from the bathroom we hear "Stop copying me! I said stop! I mean it! Stop copying me!"
Do we suddenly have a second child? Nope. Is a friend over visiting? No. Maybe even an imaginary friend? Wrong again.

It is Morgan arguing with her reflect in the mirror.

You might be a bit odd when your idea of fun is having a panty raid... with your own panites.


Nobody said we had a normal household!


Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Camping At Mountain Park Campground

During this camping trip, it became very clear that Morgan is growing up.

Exhibit A: She wanted to leave her lovies Froggy and Bobby at home. She has not spent a night without them since she was born. I stowed them away in a hidden bag, just in case things went south once night came. But she didn't even ask about them.



Exhibit B: Both nights she slept by herself in the camper while we were at the fire... with the lights out. I offered to leave a light on for her, but was told "No thanks".

Exhibit C: Our hike on the Kreutzer Nature Trail. The trail turned out to be a 3 hour hike, over very rough and difficult terrain. And that's 3 hours of serious hiking, not lallygagging. At several points, each adult had to hold the hand of a child since the drop-offs on the side of the "trail" were very hairy. She did not whine or complain once but hiked on like a true trooper. Even I wanted to scream are we done yet. As a matter of fact all four kids did exceptionally well.

Unfortunately, my batteries in my camera died at the beginning of this trip so I don't have any pictures. However, I found this other blog that has great pictures and a commentary about the trail. Click HERE to be really impressed on what these 3-8 year olds did.

Tonka came with us on this trip and Champ stayed behind. He surprised us with how well behaved he was. Or it could be we just wore him out enough with the hike!

We really liked this area outside of Ft. Collins and would love to camp here another year. Next time, we would plan a rafting trip down the Poudre - a family floating one until the kids get bigger.

Monday, June 15, 2009

The Pre-K Class of 2009

Friday evening was Morgan's Pre-K Graduation Ceremony. The school put on a great ceremony. First the director gave a speech, then the teachers, and then four of the students. The class sang "The Caterpillar" and the "I've been going to Pre-K" song. Unfortunately, it was hard to see and I had a lady with huge 80's hair in front of me, so the video didn't turn out very well. I'm only going to post pictures. Don't worry grandparents, I'll send you the video later.

Grammie and Rich made it to the ceremony.




Morgan quickly took her cap and gown off so sadly, we don't have many pictures of her in the outfit.

Here she is with her new teacher, Ms. Dawn. Ms. Dawn joined the school a few months ago and all the kids just love her.
Morgan with her boyfriend Cullen. They have big plans to get married today.

They served cake and punch afterwards (Ashley, Ivyon, Destiny, Abigal and Morgan)


The "Girls" Sophia, Morgan, Taralyn and Ellie


Morgan and Kayton. They are the only two who will be in the same Kindergarten class in August.

Kathy, Taralyn's Mom told me to imagine this picture taken 10 years from now at a concert. Thanks Kathy!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Fro' Me to You: Bridesmaids and Bartops


That's me in the back. I've heard it's hard to tell the difference between me and Julie. Everyone thought we were sisters. Apparently, all short blondes look alike and therefore MUST be related.

Anyways, this picture was taken after one of our best friends wedding. Nothing says bridemaid like a purple Barney dress. And nothing says class like two bridesmaids dancing on a bar without shoes on.

This bar was awesome. It was called McSwiggins and the only dance floor was on the bar. Yes, on the bar. On purpose. And it was fun. Until some uncoordinated, intoxicated patron fell off and had to sue the bar for his own stupidity. The bar closed, ruining everyone's fun. In this day and age, there will never be another bar like it.

Head on over to The Glamorous Life to see more Fro' Me To You shots. Check out the guidelines here. And then play along!!!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

WW: One Man's Junk

This is Morgan's "Treasure Drawer", where she stores all of her trinkets and such. It might look like a mess to you, but she knows the complete inventory so don't even try to weed things out without her knowledge. You will be busted.


For more WW, visit Angie.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Wedding and Birthday

This weekend was busy with a wedding on Saturday and a birthday party on Sunday.

One of my girlfriends and co-workers got married on Saturday. The groom is a fireman so the reception was at the firehouse, complete with fireman hat favors for the kids.

Morgan danced during the whole reception. She really liked hanging out with the older girls, who swung and twirled the younger kids.

She even tried to catch the bouquet.

And slow danced with Emma, the bride's daughter.

I love these picture of the two of them, even though it's blurred. I think it really captures the joy and fun they were having together.

On Sunday, before Kaitlyn and Gavin's birthday party, we had some excitement with a tornado in the area. We could see the funnel cloud right out of our kitchen window. It hit the shopping center and residential area a couple miles south of us. We had some hail in our neighborhood, but luckily it wasn't the golf ball size hail they were getting down the road.

Once the party started, the weather cleared up enough so that the kids could play outside.

Happy 3rd Birthday Gavin and Happy 4th Birthday Kaitlyn!


Friday, June 5, 2009

Father's Day Ideas

For those of trying to come up with a Father's Day idea, I thought I would share one of my favorite ideas from last year. You take three pictures of your child holding up the letters D-A-D and then put them in a three window frame.



It's personal, inexpensive and easy. Well... easy as long as you don't have a child who insists on wearing the "D" like a necklace!



Thursday, June 4, 2009

School Updates (aka Brag Time)

I was picking Morgan up from school and noticed that most of her classmates had a sheet taped to their cubie with a note asking the parents to work on the following list of sight words. Morgan's cubie did not have one. I told her I would get one for her and she informed me that the sheets were only for those kids who didn't know the words and since she knew ALL of them, she didn't need the sheet. Now I know that Morgan will read things when she wants to, but I figured she still could use some help so I asked the teacher if I could get a sheet for Morgan. Ms. Dawn told me that Morgan did indeed know all these words very well and did not need a sheet but she would give me one if I wanted. I didn't take one, but now I know that Morgan can read better then she lets on to us!

Morgan's been going to swim lessons for a few weeks now. The school we go to moves up kids when they are ready opposed to when a session ends. The instructor puts in a move request and then someone else evaluates them and gives the nay or yeah to move. We were informed that Morgan gets to move up already! This is amazing news since last year she had to repeat the same class (granted, it was at a different school) three times before we decided to take her out of swim. She had her new class on Monday and did excellent. The kids that were already in the class were full blown swimming from one platform to the next on their own, so I was a bit concerned that Morgan wasn't ready for this yet. But she suprised me again. She wasn't able to swim as far, but she was propelling herself for a bit of a distance on her own. She listened so well and followed directions. This was a very different child then six months ago. She was so proud of herself.

Morgan's school partnered with a local Martial Arts center to give lessons twice a week for three weeks at the school, during school hours. Being a (former) kickboxer, I've been wanting to get Morgan into some sort of Martial Arts for a while now, but between gymnastics and swim we haven't had time. I immediately signed her up. She had her first lesson yesterday and was very excited to tell me all about it. Ms. Rachel showed me some pictures she had taken of the kids and gave me an update. The sensay was teaching them three poses and wanted them to yell Discipline, Focus, Attention at each pose. Apparently the kids were being shy about yelling and he was telling them that he couldn't take them seriously if they were that quiet. Well... he was referring to all the kids but two. Two were happy to yell very, very loudly. Can you guess who one of those two was? Yep. One was Morgan and the other was Sydney. Who knew the two smallest girls would be louder yellers then even the boys!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Happy Campers

We not only survived our first camping trip of the season, we had a blast. Being it was the first trip after winterizing our camper, there were a few items that we forgot but over all the trip went very smoothly. The kids are at an age where they are great campers and the parents can actually relax and do their own thing while they entertain themselves. They also have become amazing hikers and rock climbers. We stayed along a fire road that has free spots and found one that was big enough to hold two pop-ups side by side. The area was beautiful. The only downside is that most spots are taken by Friday morning.

In the first picture below, you can see the beginning of the drive way to our campsite.

There was a creek next to our site with lots of logs to balance across.


The area had lots of boulders and "caves" to explore and climb.





Champ came along on this trip, but we did leave Tonka with the trainer. We weren't brave enough to take both on our first trip. Champ was an excellent camper and really enjoyed running free the whole time.




Nearby, was Pine Valley Ranch Park - another beautiful and peaceful area.


We would love to go back to this area again.


Sunday, May 31, 2009

Legoland Free Child Admission Winner

The Randomizer picked #2 - Sarah said... We've never been to Legoland but are hoping to go for the first time in June. I think my son will love the Volvo Junior Driving School. He's all about cars.

An e-mail has been sent to Sarah. Congrats and I hope your son has a great time.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Young Love 50's Style

We were out to lunch at Red Robin with the Moore's. Morgan did not finish her lunch so, even though we were out with others, the family rule applied. If you don't finish your meal, then no dessert. She started to cry and Caleb, being the absolute sweetheart that he is, offered to share his dessert - a chocolate milk shake.

It's an image straight out of a 50's diner, minus the bobby-socks.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Happy Birthday to Me

I woke up this morning to a lovely rendition of Happy Birthday by Morgan. She then asks me how old I am. When I told her, she informed me that I'm going to start shrinking and shrinking and I'm going to get wrinkles all over my face and then I'm going to die.

Nice. Real nice!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Camping and Cooking

Camping season is almost upon us. Mark has popped up the camper and is getting it all ready for our first camping trip of the season next weekend. Some people like that new car smell, but personally, I prefer that new camper smell. It brings back memories of fun-filled weekends hiking and enjoying the great outdoors.





Thanks to our friend Kevin Kopp, we have a neat new breakfast recipe we are excited to try out. It's called Ziplock Omelet and will be perfect for the kids. It's fun, easy, gets them involved in the cooking and the best part - no mess.

ZIPLOCK OMELET
Have everyone write their name on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent marker. Crack 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into the bag (not more than 2) shake to combine them. Put out a variety of ingredients such as: cheeses, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc. Each person adds prepared ingredients of choice to their bag and shake. Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up.Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for 13-15 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water. Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily.

Doesn't this look delicious?


Monday, May 18, 2009

Let Them Eat Cake

Sunday - We went to two birthday parties.

Party #1 was for Morgan's "boyfriend" at school, Cullen. There she had one HUGE piece of cake and several pieces of pinata candy.

Party #2 was for our close friend's son Caleb, or as Morgan likes to call him K-love (not to be confused with K-fed). There she had one piece of cake and was snuck a second piece by Sarah (not sure what I did to make Sarah mad enough at me to do this, but will have to find out).

Monday - Morgan had a cake hangover. Her teachers thought she was sick with the flu by how she was acting. While they were feeling her checks and forehead over and over, I explained it was just too much sugar.

Mark picks her up from school and gives her more candy. At dinner we discover that she also had cupcakes at school for Cullen's school celebration. Then we get a call from the Banaitis. It's Gavin's birthday and would we like to come over for some cake.

And here is the final result of all that sugar overload:


Attention to the Details

Morgan's art work has really evolved from drawing spiders (a circle with lines coming out of it) to adding more details. Below is a picture of a farm. She drew a pig, a cat, a dog, a roaster sitting on a barn, a flower, the farmer, a rabbit, a field of potatoes, a field of carrots, another flower and a field of corn. Who knew you could fit so many things on one piece of paper!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Legoland CA - Free Child Admission Giveaway (Ends 5/29)

Last summer, our family vacation was to California, including Legoland. While planning the trip I discovered that the Lego company offers a free Lego magazine and that each year, in one of the editions, they include a coupon for one free child admission with a paid adult admission. Of course, I immediately signed up for said magazine and took full advantage of this offer.



A year has gone by and I received this year's magazine edition with this year's coupon. While I would absolutely love to have another vacation to California, we will not be using the coupon this year. Instead of throwing out, I thought I would see if anyone else could get good use out of it.

This is NOT an actual ticket. this coupon must be exchanged at the Legoland California Resort ticket booth at the time of purchase to receive one free child admission with the purchase of a full priced one-day adult admission to Legoland. Valid only on the day of purchase at Legoland California. Cannot be applied to pre-purchase or online ticket sales, or combined with any other discounts or offers. Children 2 and under are already admitted free. Expires 12/31/09.


All you need to do is post a comment about which ride/attraction in Legoland is your kid's favorite or which one your family is looking forward to the most. That's it. I will Randomize a winner on May 29th at 5 pm MST. The winner will be contacted by e-mail, so please make sure your e-mail is in the comment or on your blog.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Show and Tell - Lubies

For the first time, I decided to join in the fun in a Blog Carnival. Not only did I find lots of new great sites, I also won a prize from A Wrestling Addicted Mommy and Morgan couldn't be more thrilled. I won a special Gold Star Lubies which is limited to a production of 500. These Lubies are so cute, cuddlyand soft. And being an active little girl, she loves the fact that it doubles as a ball she can throw around. The cow Lubies (which has yet to be named) was her Show-and-Tell at school today.


Get your own Lubie at Rocket USA. They have everything from cats and dogs to sharks and panda bears.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

The Goldfish Update

It has been two weeks since we first got Goldie. Since then we have been through Goldie, Red Light and Red Light the 2nd. Luckily, Morgan hasn't been too phased by the untimely deaths of these fish. As a matter of fact, she wanted to feed them to Abbey our cat. You know, as a special little treat. YUM!

I'm hoping we don't get a fourth fish. And if we do, I would lean her towards a Beta/Chinese Fighting Fish. Those things don't die even when you stop cleaning their bowl and it becomes a seas-pool of green algae. And then you stop feeding it for weeks, but that's OK because it lives off the algae. Plus it's fun to put a mirror infront of their tank and watch them puff up their fins and try and charge the mirror. Not, that I would know first hand. I was always very responsible with my fish when I was in college.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Strange Girl

More proof that my child is a bit different. This is what happens when she's left alone with a box of stickers.
I'm only thankful it wasn't a Sharpie!

Monday, May 4, 2009

The $80 Free Goldfish

Yes, I realize that my title is an oxymoron. And I've also learned a lesson about supposed free things.

Morgan went to a school carnival with our friends and neighbors. There were games, face painting, balloon animals and food. And then there was the most popular game. The game where all the kids lined up along the gymnasium, wishing and praying to win while the parents were wishing and praying they lost. And we wished this even though there were tears coming from the losing kids. What is this game you ask? The dreaded ping pong ball in the fish bowl game. Where the "prize" for winning is a goldfish in a plastic bag.


Morgan did not win this game and there was some lip quivering, while inside I was doing the happy dance. But then, then an older child came up to Morgan. One who had played this game before and was holding in her hand a goldfish. She asked that horrible question to Morgan: would you like my fish? To which Morgan's face light-up and she nodded vigorously. Before I knew it and before I could open my mouth to protest, Morgan was standing there with the fish in her hand, the other child long gone. That other girl was a smart girl. And quick

The next day we head out to Petco to buy a tank and some food. I'm thinking we will pick up a small, little thing. $20 at the most. It's just a goldfish after all. But then the evil salesman enters the scene and informs me - in front of Morgan - that if I don't buy at least a 5 gallon tank the fish will die within 6 months at the most. I look down at Morgan, look at the $19 tank in my hand and look at the $60 tank he is pointing to. He played the "you don't want your kids pet to die right away, now do you" card. Not wanting to be labeled a killer, I grudgingly grab the bigger tank. Along with the stones. Along with the food. Along with the fake plant.

Suddenly the free goldfish isn't so free anymore. Actually, it's down right expensive!

Momdot's 31 Bloggers in 31 Days Giveaway


If you haven't heard yet, Momdot is hosting a blogger party in celebration of Trish's 31st birthday through out the month of May.

Every day they will add a NEW featured blogger that is handing out a present. Your only job is to hop over to visit their blog, leave them some comments, enter their birthday present contest and come back the next day to do it again!

Click here to get started.

And if that isn't cool enough, they are also giving away a $3800 HomePlace Structures Swingset.

Experience outdoor living at its finest with HomePlace Structures custom Amish crafted outdoor products. Enhance your property with a stylish yet functional garden building, garage, or gazebo. For the kids, HomePlace Structures also offers exciting playhouses and playsets. Its line of play structures from Pinnacle Play Systems include the best, most innovative ways to have fun: towers and lofts, playhouse lofts, ships/castles, and combination units.

HomePlace Structures exists to provide a variety of structures that add comfort, enjoyment and function to properties nationwide -- accenting homes, parks, businesses, and gardens. We customize playhouses, garden buildings, gazebos, garages and Pinnacle Play Systems for discriminating buyers across the United States, shipping from our base among the Amish of Lancaster County, PA.

To enter the HomePlace Structures contest, click here.