Old Timer

Zach just turned the big 2-8.  I've been making fun of him and calling him old, but now that our circle of friends is in the mid-30s to 40s region, it's less effective.  Of the five+ years Zach and I have been married, I've really had some slack years (specifically, two) regarding his birthday celebration.  Both times it was a matter of having a newborn baby in the house and my barely conscious state. This year was one of my better showings, so I thought it warranted a post.


Friday night was Parents Night Out at the Y: perfect timing! We dropped the boys off and headed straight to REI where Zach picked out some awesome hiking boots.  We then headed over to Cinnamon Kitchen, a delicious Indian restaurant in Arden. After a huge and peaceful meal, we headed to Barnes and Noble for coffee (someone's stomach is getting better!) and book perusal. We aren't yet settled on a Baby Boy name, so we were hoping for a Caelum-esque discovery (in which Zach picks up a novel, reads a little of it, and comes across a fantastic character name).  It didn't happen, but we still had fun.  We then picked up the boys, who were thoroughly engrossed in Finding Nemo and not quite missing us.


Saturday morning began with pancakes, of course, and then an early hiking adventure.  We had been looking for an excuse for a mini road trip (~ an hour) in our van, so I made a playlist of Zach's life, beginning around Fall 2003 as I can't really account for anything before that, and we hit the road.  I had picked out a hiking trail with waterfalls that was right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Unfortunately, part of the Parkway was closed, so quick-acting Zach found a great trail that led to Lake Powhatan.  The boys did great and stubborn little Caelum wanted to walk the whole time no matter how behind he got. He also discovered walking with his hands in his pockets, which was cute but a little nerve-wracking for me, as someone who has decked onto their face whilst having hands in pockets. 

Caelum comparing his hiking boots to Daddy's

The boys fell asleep on the drive home, so Zach and I drove around to creep on some houses we've seen on Zillow.  After getting home and having lunch, the boys decided they were done napping, but we pretended to enforce additional napping so that we could sleep while they "rested" in their room.  At the end of it all, they had collected half a dozen ladybugs and destroyed their bedroom.  Success! 

 We headed into downtown Asheville and stopped to listen to every busker we came across.  No wonder Owen loves Asheville; they're everywhere.  We went to a bookstore and Owen spent $4 of his birthday money to buy a panda book.  We then headed next door to the huge library for a used book sale where we picked up a CD, a hardcover David Mitchell book, and two children's books for $4.50.  As any night downtown will end, we went to French Broad Chocolate Lounge.  As we were walking in, some hipster ran down Caelum and then kept walking as C cried (so you know it actually hurt since he rarely cries).  Three friendly firefighters who were there as well came over to comfort him, but as they were not in uniform at the time, my boys seemed skeptical as to whether they were actually firefighters.  In any case, we got some delicious mocha stout cake and headed home.

Sunday was not particularly birthday related, but was still enjoyably filled with church, Sunday School for the kids (hanging out for the parents), naps, and then a girls night out for our growth group.  The guys stayed with the kids and ate pizza while the women got Mexican food and frozen yogurt.  I had a great time getting to know them better and apparently Caelum ate six slices of pizza. 


And then onto Monday, the actual birthday day. I hopped up and got to making biscuits and gravy, as well as faux Bojangles Bo-Berry biscuits.  Sadly, Zach had to go make that money, so the boys and I used our morning galavanting to a bunch of stores for last minute birthday schtuff.  The boys were so patient with me, even as I realized that I had, once again, bought instant pudding instead of slow cook for Zach's chocolate pie.  I know that that ends in disaster and I very specifically remember standing in the aisle, staring at the pudding box and thinking, "Good, this is the right one."  Wrong.  Pregnancy brain, ya'll.  So it was BACK to the grocery store for our fourth stop of the morning. It turned out to be a good stop though, as I splurged and bought Zach a helium birthday balloon.  We brought it to Frank's NY Deli where we were meeting Zach for lunch, and tied it to his chair.  The boys were so excited, and as soon as he walked in, they ran over singing, "Happy birthday!" It caused quite a stir and we got a free piece of cheesecake out of it.  Hurray!

The boys all ready for Daddy to come home. Note the awesome decorating.

When I had asked Zach what he wanted for his birthday dinner, he said, "Surprise me."  That is why this year is the Year of the Lobster.  I bought lobster tails from EarthFare and steamed them.  A little risky as I had never made lobster before, but they came out great.  Even the kiddos ate some. 

Then it was time for the traditional scavenger hunt in which all the clues used homophones this year.  OK, so I ran out of time a little bit there.  Last year, each clue had a puzzle or crossword or something more intense. 

Look at that rear!  Loving my  new van. :)

Anyway, the hunt led to a few small presents, including some awesome Goodwill finds and a fire truck Lego set from the boys. Finally, it was time for the best part, chocolate pie.  It came out great and Zach said he had a wonderful birthday, so self high five time! 

I'm so thankful to God for my amazing husband and baby daddy and can't wait to experience this exciting year with him.