We got it right....He's 48!

 There was no major gift. Nothing over the top or expensive. 

Just love and attention and....this is the big one.....no fighting. 

Mark turned 48 and he went to work and answered emails and did all the things grown ups have to do on their birthdays.

But his coworkers know that he loves the sugar...and they came through in a big way. 

I had to work early that morning, so we focused on making the best of the evening hours. We realized that he's the only one of us the hadn't run through the streamers. It didn't disappoint. Mostly because Mark is Mark. And he makes everything fun and funny. 

Big Money

 My my! Look who is getting her very first back account? She got herself a job at the Berry Patch and she needs someone to keep all that cash she's bringing in. 

Naturally I sneak a picture.

She's feeling pretty proud to be the youngest Hufford yet to get a job! 

Business and the Beach

 Wachter chose Ft Lauderdale to have it's big kick-off this year. Last year was Miami and I was in the middle of keeping teenagers whole and healthy, so I didn't go. That left Mark walking the beach alone with nary a hand to hold. Still, he had to go to meetings and mixers and I got to take naps and explore the shops and collect seashells.

We are so obsessed with birdies these days! Look how they all face into the wind and enjoy the sunrise.

It should  be noted that it is SO VERY COLD back in Kansas City. It seems impossible that not everyone if freezing in February. Which explains why I couldn't imagine needing a pair of shorts and therefore didn't pack anything lighter than jeans and a t-shirt. Mark was in meetings all day, so I finally found a row of gift shops and set about purchasing shorts and a tank that weren't crazy expensive and that I might possibly wear again sometime. I found a public restroom on my walk back and crammed my Kansas clothes into the gift shop bag. 

It was so nice to get away and feel the sun on our faces. 

Tomorrow we return to the polar votex! Fun!

Eagles v. Chiefs

 The Chiefs are going to the Superbowl for the third year in a row. They are going for a "Threepeat", if you haven't already heard...

Chiefs fans all over the world are praying extra hard every night. 

On Track went up against a Box in Philadelphia in a head to head workout, just for funsies!

That called for lots of red and yellow decorations and our best local artists to produce Mahomes' buns posters. 

We spared no expense and it was 

AWESOME

Philly:

On Track:

Sadly, the Chiefs lost and so did we. 

But I loved every minute of it. We live to squat another day.

The Feeling of Freedom

 This girl is SO READY.

She's been practicing in parking lots since she was in 6th grade. 

Hours?

Oh. 

She's got her hours. 

And she passed with flying colors.

Prom Dress Morning

 This morning we went to the Prom Dress Event hosted by Joy Closet, our very favorite thrift store EVER. They receive so many prom dress donations, they save them up and right before prom season begins, they host this day. Every girl can come and select one dress, a pair of shoes, necklace and earrings FOR FREE. 

Isn't that the coolest idea??

I found myself a chair and set them loose. 

They each for two or three to try on and waited in the long line. 

Just about every mom I know showed up that morning. It was so fun to see the girls find a dress that made them feel beautiful. We all settled in to ooooh and ahhhh and hold the ones they were considering. 

My only worry was that one of them wouldn't find something and would leave empty handed. But what do you know!! They all found something they loved! Laney and Anna found two! And they were all so different. It was fun to see what they picked and I really enjoyed seeing how confident they were in their own styles. 

This calls for a fashion show. 

It was a fun and happy morning. And Everly can't wait to grow a few inches and go in a year or two!

Michelle's Cookies

 Don't forget this recipe. It's a winner.

Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 cup butter

1/4 +2 Tbsp white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

**mix till smooth

Add:

1 egg

healthy glug of vanilla

**mix until fluffy

1 1/2 cup flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

**gently mix dry ingredients together on top of the wet to save dishes. Then mix in with wet until combined

Mix in a bag of mini chocolate chips. The ratio will be about 1:1 for dough and chocolate. 

Scoop on to silpat and bake at 350 for 10 mins. DO NOT BAKE LONGER. They won't look done. Just trust the process. They will be so soft. Just take them out of the oven. Do it. Take them out. Please. 

10 minutes. 

Not 11. 

10.

These are practically burnt. I gave them 11 minutes and I hate myself for it.