Tomorrow is David's birthday. He turns 10. We celebrated on Saturday because I won't be around on his actual birthday. (I am currently on my way to Dallas for the next phase of my Montessori training. I was hoping to make it all the way to Texas today, but Tennessee was all Genesis 7 and I had to stop at an Econo Lodge in the middle of nowhere lest I be swept away. But there's WiFi!)
We told David we would do whatever he wanted Saturday evening to celebrate his birthday. He chose to have a quiet, relaxing evening at home together as a family. It was wonderful!! (Why don't we do that more often??)
Greg decorated the dining room with birthday pictures from every year. There were 10! How can that be?! We all talked about the pictures and discussed what a cutie-patootie that kid is.
Not surprisingly, David was eager to open his presents. He loved all of the gifts he got! He was so happy. (I need to get some pictures of what Mary gave him--she drew him a collection of adorable, thoughtful pictures that he loved.)
He had NO IDEA what Greg and I were getting him. It was a total 100% surprise! (It's not hard to surprise your kids when they think you are lame.) Go here to see his reaction (and what we gave him, if you're curious).
While we're looking at videos, here is a video of Sara during the birthday celebration doing her version of a cartwheel and showing off her jumping skills. You know you want to to watch it!
Mary and David quickly settled in with David's new joy while Greg grilled some burgers.
We ate burgers and watermelon and talked and enjoyed being together. David planned the best birthday celebration! Soon it was time for cake, David's first den leader (the beloved and missed Julie Morra) introduced the boys to Thunder Cake. David loved it, and he insisted on Thunder Cake for his birthday (pureed tomatoes included). I was busy finishing projects for my Montessori training and helping Mary with dress rehearsal. So the birthday execution fell to Greg this year, including baking the cake. It was a hit! (Greg did a great job with everything. I married such a good man.)
We sang happy birthday. (Sara was so excited. She, of course, tried to blow out the candles herself. And was fascinated by the smoke.)
Let me pause to say what a good big brother David is. To both of his sisters. He is a blessing in their lives. I am so grateful to have such great kids.
After the yummy cake, we played games. We played Apples to Apples, put Sara to bed, and then we played Settlers of Catan. (I can't believe David and Mary are old enough to play Settlers! We're in a totally new phase of life with them. It's great!) It was such a great evening. David loves our family and is sensitive to our family's needs. I love that what he wanted more than anything was to hang out with his family. I think he knew we needed it.
David is a good, good kid. He has a strong moral compass and is naturally kind. He is smart and thoughtful. He is mature in many ways. He knows a lot of things, and he is actively, busily figuring the world out. I love that he is growing up--it's good to see him develop and progress and become more comfortable with himself--but lucky for me he still loves hugs and cuddles!
I love that kid.
Happy birthday, David!
