bumper boats and laser tag

Braden had a blast for his birthday, running and screaming in the laser tag room, splashing water on everyone on the bumper boats and going through tokens like they were Monopoly money.

The Big NINE

Braden turns nine today. Nine! Just as a snapshot to remember "these days" by here is a glimpse into Braden's day-to-day:

1. He just read The Lord of the Nutcracker Men and loved it. It's a novel set in WWI from the perspective of a 10 year old. He loved it so much that he's got me reading it now.
2. He's collecting Pokemon cards. I'm not actually sure what you're supposed to do with them, but he and Simon are big into having battles and trading them with Collin.
3. He and his brother wake up at 7 a.m. to take turns playing Animal Crossing on the Wii.
4. Last night we went out for ice cream and Braden was dying to order the Banana Split. We let him indulge, but he didn't finish it.
5. He won the Christian Character award this year at school. One student is chosen from each grade.
6. He's supposed to go to summer camp for the first time this year, but unfortunately he's on the waiting list. It's the same camp, Camp Victory, that I worked at while in high school.

So, Happy Birthday, Braden! We love you.

Six for Simon

We celebrated Simon's birthday after school on Friday. Almost all of his class and then some came over. We made paper airplanes, ate homemade ice cream and Sue Sue's airplane cake. Several of the kids barely left the porch, more interested in playing with the kitties. We only had one injury from the wrestling matches on the trampoline (another highlight). Happy Birthday Simon!

the 33rd

As I celebrate 33 years today I just wanted to thank everyone for the emails, phone calls, and all the general well-wishers I saw today. Thirty-three, hmmmm. It just strikes me as an odd age, an in-between, gapish age. Who's thirty-three? What have they done? I don't feel old; I just feel... thirty-three. Yet to be decided, I guess.

Happy Birthday GiGi!

Happy 32nd!

We celebrated Amy's 32nd birthday this past Monday. We had a great time. Laura (her sister) came down for the occasion with her son Trey, staying Saturday through Tuesday morning. We went out to MacDaddy's and then had ice cream cake at home. Thanks to everyone who sent cards and presents. It was really special for her!

b'day pics

Click on the image to see it full size.

birthday hangover

For Braden's seventh we watched Shrek the Third at Diamond Mall with a few friends. I was immensely disappointed with the movie theater. The sound was off and it wasn't one of the renovated rooms. But the kids enjoyed it. One funny thing was that we went to see the English version, which no Brazilian kids go to because they... don't speak English. But many of the adults prefer the original language and they just read the subtitles. So they always do a double-take when they see small kids. Afterwards we had cake here at the house. Amy made a Shrek head out of red velvet cake (or cornbread... but I'll let her tell that story). Thank you for the messages you left over the phone and by email. He loved them.