Birthday Thank-you's

Hopefully this is the last b-day picture taken in the ivy wallpaper...we're finally taking it down this week..hip, hip, huzzah!!

Just wanted to share a few pics with a few of you that I know would have loved to be with us for Cole's b-day. We always make a cake together off of Family Fun because the cakes are fun and easy to do. They never require a special mold or cake decorating tips. This year, Cole picked a pirate treasure chest. It was fun to do together even if the kitchen looked like a cake had exploded in our kitchen after we were done (I had a lot of little helpers eager to decorate and of course dip their fingers in the frosting)!

It is so fun to celebrate birthdays when the only thing on the agenda is to be home together. We were thrilled to have Grandma drive in this morning but she refused to be in pictures as she was having a "bad hair day." Today was the first day it has started to feel like fall. The wind was blowing and the temps were probably in the mid 60s. Well, Grandma picked Cole up from school and they did a little shopping for his birthday. Upon getting out of the car, her hair was blowing and she said to Cole, "Oh, I must look like a witch." To which he responded like only a child can with complete honesty, "Well, you may look like one but you're really not one, Grandma!"



Thanks to Nana & Gramps for the fishing rod. It was one of Cole's favorite gifts. He was so excited to see all the fancy lures that came with it. He just kept saying, "This is so cool, Dad!" and is anxious to get a chance to use it (no more having to share Si's rod).

Thanks to Aunt Beth for the National Park books. When the box opened, you can see Cole's expression at left as Josiah loudly exclaimed "Oh, my word!" It warmed my heart to see them so excited about books.

I hope you can see Isaac's look in this last picture, it is so intensely zeroed in on those presents and how he can get a piece of the action.

It was a day of blessings...remembering what a privilege these last 7 years have been, and a prayer for many more.

P.S. My dear sister, Amy, you blew us away by making a web comment. We know how very much that cost you but it did impress your nephew!! Now we are waiting for The World of Steve & Amy (blog) to hit eblogger...