The Kugler Family Adventures: Will You Go With Me To...The Prom?

Back on Valentine's Day, Brian gave me an envelope with something inside. Nothing shiny or sparkly. Nothing in a little red jewelry box, but a piece of paper. As I read it, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It was a gift certificate for us to go to the "prom" together. The prom? Really? This was for the Ace and TJ (DJ's on 96.1 in Charlotte) Second Chance Prom, which is a fundraiser for what they call their "Grin Kids," or children with special needs and disabilities. All I could think was that I didn't even like my high school prom. I was a little confused, maybe even a little let down. BUT, Brian put things into perspective for me, as he often does, and took my blinders off. All I could see were ugly, unflattering prom dresses, achy feet, and a boring night ahead. As the date grew closer, I actually became excited. An adult night filled with friends, food, and fun. Mom kept the littles for us (THANK YOU!) all on her own, as Dad has been in Hawaii. Brian bought me the "prom" dress of my choice, paid for my up-do, and we went to The Capital Grille for dinner. It was a perfect night. Our good friends, Andy and Andrew (insert joke here?) went with us, and the night was full of laughs. Andy and I got our up-do's done together, and we all met at the restaurant. After our fabulous dinner of gluttonous food and drink, we headed to the Hilton Center City for the prom. Everyone was dressed from jeans to tuxedos; Crazy hair, to tiaras. We drank. We danced. We laughed. Then we headed out into the Epicentre, and to a new bar in the area. We had a fantastic night, and once again, I need to learn to trust my husband. He knows me best. And he made me feel like a princess for a night. Thank you love...xoxo!


The Hair Transformation

Mom even took "prom pictures"

At Capital Grille


Careful. That may stick!

Well, it was a fantastic weekend, and I'm not sure this old body can take that much fun all at once. Friday night was Girls' Night Out. I have had 2 weekends in a row going out! I met about 10 ladies out at Fuji for dinner, then we went out for drinks. I had to take it a little easy because I had to save some energy for the next day's FamJam event with the kiddos, and the prom. Here is me with Adrianne outside Cloud 9 Martini bar in Baxter Village...

Saturday, before the prom, Brian was up early...he was out the door before 6:30am to go help Rob and Dan with "FamJam." This is the 3rd annual event that our friend, Dr. Rob Cynowa, has thrown to raise money for the Children's Attention Home. Last year he raised over $11K, and I'm sure he did very well Saturday, as the place was packed. It's a fun all-day family oriented event, with many vendors, give-a-ways, bands, bouncy houses and obstacle courses, a teacup ride (which Payton LOVED). Griffin even got in the bouncy house with me and laughed his tail off. Both kids had a blast. We met up with The Collins and Carter families, and the girls were running around like big kids. They got their faces painted and they ate italian ice to cool off. We were out there for 2 hours, and not one complaint from either kid...but as soon as the car started, they were both out like lights. Neither even woke up when I took them in the house from the car. I think there should be a festival like this every weekend :)

Waiting her turn for the Teacup Ride

Ready to SPIN!!

No hands!

Madi and Payton spinning their teacup

Bad Mommy! Someone forgot the sunscreen, so we made do, and other than Payton's pink shoulders, all were okay!

Before our Saturday night date, we had a few minutes of fun with the kids on Grump's basketball court...Payton is getting better at dribbling and trying to shoot the ball, and Griffin LOVES to watch. You can just see how badly he wants to get out there and play ball. For now, he just scares mommy by standing up in the stroller...(yes, I use the seat belt when we aren't right on top of him!)

And, last but not least...about the kids. What a difference a week makes! Griffin is everywhere. And fast. He's now pulling up on everything. He's walking around furniture, and we pulled out the walking toy we used with Payton, and he can even walk behind that (slowly, but getting the hang of it). He'll hold our fingers and walk...well, he tries to run. I think he really wants to keep up with his big sissy. I could be wrong, but I'm guessing he may be an early walker, if this momentum keeps up! Of course I thought the same about Payton and she waited until 11 1/2 months, so we'll see!

And yes, cleaning out this "toy box" is on my to-do list...that list is just REALLY long!


This is what a night at Granby's does to a 2 year old!

Payton has cut WAY down on her sleeping...she just doesn't want to miss anything. Other than occasional whining, she's pretty well-behaved on this new schedule. I'm still adjusting, but she's usually a big help to me, so I love the additional time we have together. We have lots of fun, and can go more places and do more things. Griffin has always been the champ of hanging, even when he's sleepy. He just goes with the flow, will sleep if he needs to, and usually doesn't get grumpy. We don't see Payton sleep in the car much, but I think this lack of sleep finally caught up with her. The picture above was during the ride home from Granby's on Sunday morning. About Payton: She's speaking so much more clearly now, and in longer sentences. Although she still continues to push her limits, which I think is an age thing, she is a pretty decent listener. Our pool is opening this weekend, and I can't wait to see how much she remembers from last summer. I think I'll wait a little longer before I get in. Brrrrrr!

Here are a couple more cute shots from our previous week...enjoy!!