A "Curious George" Birthday

Earlier this month we celebrated George's 1st Birthday with a "Curious George" birthday party at Aberdeen Park.  

A warm, sunny day awaited us.  Most of our family was able to join in the celebration.  It was the first time we have all been together since our wedding!

Menu: Subway Sandwich Platter, Fruit Skewers,

 Monkey Bread, Potato Salad, Chips and Salsa

A special cupcake for George:

no wheat, no soy, no eggs, no dairy

Opening gifts with his special helpers

  

One candle for his first year of life

A bit unsure about his cupcake initially, 

but he quickly warmed up to it.

Though George will never remember this party, it means so much to have our family together to mark this milestone in his life. Thanks to all our family for loving George and supporting us as we raise him.

George, you are a spitfire.  You are active and curious and so incredibly smiley.  Despite your struggles with allergies and eczema, you are indeterminately happy.  We can't wait to see what awaits you as you grow and learn.  Just please, don't rush the growing part. We love you.  - Dad, Mom, Claire & Henry

George is ONE

Happy Birthday George!

Birthday Fun & Mother's Day Marvel

Henry's birthday was sprinkled with fun throughout the day, 

but the highlight was certainly the Whitecaps Game.

An annual event with Joe's work that luckily landed on Henry's birthday.

The evening was filled with one surprise after another.

All of Joe's co-workers signed a singing card for Henry.

And then we ran into Joe's high school guidance counselor who works there.  

She stole the kids away to find some special treats.

And the best surprise of all...a foul ball that landed in our box!

Of course, the best part of a birthday is the birthday party.  

Lately, Henry's been into the show "Jake and the Neverland Pirates".  So of course, he was set on having a Pirate Party. 

Our first party was with my side of the family.

Opening Grandpa's homemade golf set.

In Henry's world, Golf club = Sword

Arrrre you ready to celebrate pirate style? 

                                                  Menu: String Cheese "Treasure Maps"

                                                              "Fish and Chips"

                                                              Chicken "Golden Nuggets"

                                                              Meatball "Cannonballs"

                                                              "Buried Treasure" Corn and Carrots

                                                              Gold Doubloon Cupcakes

An enthusiastic Uncle Mike

We also celebrated Mother's Day while we were together.

This year my mom and I surprised each other with the gift we gave her.

We wanted to make her a fancy hat to wear while she watches her horse races.  

The funny thing is that she had apparently donated that hat to Africa's Child, 

where we bought it, along with some flowers we glued onto it.  

What are the chances of that?!    

The following weekend we celebrated Henry's birthday with 

Joe's side of the family at Melissa's new home.

The Great Grandmas enjoyed the nice day and good company.

And the rest of us also enjoyed good conversation and yummy pirate food.

My attempt to give Henry the "Bucky Boat" cake he had requested.

 

Thank you to everyone for celebrating Henry's birthday with us.  

You all helped to make it very special.    

Four

Henry Samuel, 

you are 4 years old!

And what an awesome 4 year old you are.

With each year you get older, there's an ongoing conversation about who you take after.  I think we can safely say that you are a beautiful blend of both of us.

Mom at 4

Overall, more people say you look like me as a child with your hair, nose, chin and face shape. You share my blood type, and actually, the same personality type according to the Myers-Briggs Personality Test.   It even appears that, like me and your sis, you're bound to be left-handed. Dad sometimes jokes about us being two peas in a pod.  

Dad at 4

But you also have a lot of your dad in you too.  You have his big smile and his beautiful blue eyes. You have a fascination with swords and a love for wrestling, just like a young Joey.  And we can't forget your mutual love for Star Wars, Peter Pan, and Legos.  You are your Daddy's little buddy.

One thing is remarkably sure.  You are uniquely you!

You say funny things like "Mom, can you believe how cool I am?  I even have hair on my arms...but not as much as Dad."

And you say sweet things like, "Dad, I'm glad you're in my family."

And you do silly things like grab a pillow and blanket and make yourself comfortable on me while I relax.

You make us smile every day.  Happy 4th Birthday, Henry!

Memorial Day

thankful for our freedom and the soldiers who 

gave their lives to serve our country

a walk through the veteran's home cemetery

a powerful reminder of the countless lives sacrificed for our freedom

even found a George Elliot to pay tribute to