Spending Gift Cards

The finale to Nathan's Birthday celebration...a day of spending his gift cards. He had such a great time picking out things to spend his "money" on. Some things that I would not have chosen for him. He is a very particular kid and knows exactly what he wants and likes. Here he is with some of his "loot."

Trying to decide...We went to Target, BestBuy, Sports Authority, Toys R Us, Borders, and the bank to cash some checks. Okay, enough birthday until next year...

Nathan's Birthday...AGAIN!!

If you know me, you will not be surprised that we celebrate our kids' birthdays for several days...not just one. Opening gifts.

9 Little Boys...and 1 Princess.

As they get older, the gifts get smaller...thank Goodness. He ended up getting over $300 in cash and gift cards...and some really cool gifts.

The party room at the Arcade. Nathan has some great friends with great families!

At Nathan's request, I made his favorite cake...a "Triple Vanilla Chocolate Chip Bundt." I was honored that he'd rather have that than a bakery cake...saved me some money also. Did you see this Newbry family???

My 11-year old...

Gift Opening with Holly looking on...

Me and "the Daddy." Another birthday party over...a sigh of relief, with a bit of sadness.

Darrell with his beautiful "in-laws."

Xander...such a great kid with a beautiful accent.

Mom and Tanya...hey, can the kids have a turn??!

Little Dwight. Check out all of his tickets coming out of the machine. Nathan and Dwight have been friends since preschool...that's 7 years...and they're only 11!!

Nathan's Birthday Festivities

Nathan started the morning at baseball camp with Coach Wooten...Kyle's High School coach. They all sang Happy Birthday to him and I brought his favorite popsicles to share with all 50 of the kids at camp.

Then, I took his friend Chace and Nathan to Kentucky Fried Chicken...one of Nathan's favorites!! Chace spent the afternoon at our house.

We all went to California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. You all know how Nathan loves pizza, and CPK is one of his all-time favorites. Here we are with Grammy, Emily (Matthew's girlfriend), Matthew (my sweet cousin), and us.

The LOVES of my life!!

A note that Kyle wrote for Nathan...

I cannot believe that he's 11 years old.

Matthew with the boys.

Mom and Emily...so cute!

We gave him a new Nintendo DSi. Here he is trying to figure it out...

Happy Birthday Punk...Hope you had a great day. Birthday party at the arcade with a bunch of little boys on Friday...who hoo!

Happy Birthday NATHAN!!

I simply cannot believe that my baby is 11 years old today. Here are 11 facts about Nathan:
1. He was exactly 10 pounds when he was born. He was a c-section baby.
2. When he was 4 years old he weighed exactly 40 pounds and was 40 inches tall. Now he is 102 pounds and just under 5 feet.
3. He LOVES cheese pizza. He can eat a large pizza himself over the course of a couple of hours.
4. He is the pickiest eater in the World...I am not exaggerating!
5. He is everyones friend. It is not unusual for him to get multiple invitations on a given day to go over to friends houses. Hanging out with his friends is one of his favorite things.
6. He gets very upset when kids are mean to each other.
7. He is naturally athletic.
8. His baby blue eyes attract attention wherever we go.
9. He is wise beyond his years...and "gets" jokes that only adults should understand.
10. He wears a size 8 mens shoe.
11. He is a voracious reader and loves classics, like Prince and the Pauper, Treasure Island, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

Happy Birthday to you Nater Tater. I love you so much and I am blessed and honored to be your Mommy. Thanks for being so sensitive, caring, smart, and funny.

Weekend and Fireworks at the Beach

We spent many hours this weekend invading Tanya and Brets RV. They were staying right on the beach ($450 per night per space!) and we had a blast. Tanya's Mother-In-Law (aka Grandma Beth), Tanya, Mom, and Schuey the "Lap Dog!"

Darrell and Bret proving they are macho...ya whatever...

Larry enjoying the beautiful weather and views.

The kids just run amuck and have a blast. They are filthy by the end of the day.

Watching fireworks on the beach. They had a beautiful fireworks show and music to go along with it. We had a great time.

I'm even getting better at taking the fireworks photos. Thanks Tanya, Bret, Beth, Eldon, and Holly for sharing part of your vacation with us.

Happy Fourth of July

Have a fun Fireworks Day!! We went to breakfast at the beach, and it was CRAZY out there. Literally, the sand was FILLED with people...and more people were walking from miles away!

Be safe!

Wordless Wednesday #26 ~ Eldon and Holly are Here This Week!