Hey guys, I'm two birthday recaps behind already! So many winter birthdays around here. I hate to brag, but I really hit it out of the park for Owen and Caelum's joint birthday celebration. I didn't want them to expect a huge party every year, but I might have just reinforced that idea.
The day before Owen's birthday I told the boys we had a surprise trip to go on and to get dressed. I put some rescue vehicle-adorned clothing out for them to wear, and said that was their only clue. Of course, they both guessed right away that we were going to a fire station. They got dressed and we headed to the van, only to see one of their friends pull into the driveway. Owen yelled, "Xander is coming too! This is awesome!" We headed to the Skyland Fire Station (two miles from our house) and waited as more and more friends showed up. The boys were super surprised and delighted. Finally, after all 19 kids had arrived, we started our tour.
The firefighters were friendly and loved having the kids there. They gave them all hats and stickers and proceeded to give a thorough (hour and a half!) tour of the huge fire station.
Owen and Caelum loved to be with all those kids: all homeschooled as it was 10:00 on a Wednesday, after all. Everyone had fun and I got to try on all of the turn out gear.
I wish I was more of a Tiger Mom and thought to put my kids front and center in this picture. But at least they are there....somewhere in the background.
After the tour was over, I said, "Who is coming back to our house to play?" Everyone yelled and cheered and Owen about passed out at this additional surprise. I had snacks and drinks, but asked everyone to bring a packed lunch. Sure, this is not the best show of hospitality, but it is cost efficient, and let's be honest, I can't cater to the mix of vegans, gluten-frees, etc. in our group of friends.
After the kids played, I brought out a blueberry pound cake I had hidden in a cabinet as well as garbanzo bean flour chocolate cupcakes with Bobbi frosting (OK, I catered to the gluten-freers a little). On the drive from the fire station, Owen had panicked and said, "MOM! We haven't made the Angel Food Cake yet! What will our friends eat?" You can imagine his delight and surprise at two cakes ready and waiting.
I mean, look at his face. Presh.
The kids ran around like banshees: ziplining, tree forting, swinging, and digging in the gravel pit. Zach came home for lunch and was there for our cake time as well. He's the best.
Friends stayed until 3, when I had to kick them out so the boys could go to Kids Camp at our church. Owen declared it the best birthday ever. And his actual birthday hadn't even happened yet.
On his actual sixth birthday, we had pumpkin waffles for breakfast, followed by storytime at our library, per Owen's request.
Owen got lots of extra attention since it was his birthday and Esme was all up in everyone's grill the whole time. We then went to Chick-Fil-A to meet Zach for lunch.
That night, after Zach was home, it was time for the traditional birthday scavenger hunt. Let me tell you, it is extra fun now that Owen can read the clues for himself.
As Owen gets his next clue, you can see his birthday dinner menu...TWO chicken pot pies (because he always wants more), Jiffy cornbread muffins, and Angel Food cake. He's a carbaholic like his mom. There were quite a few clues, and Owen did great finding them.
When he got to the pile of presents at the end, he literally jumped up and down. His joy at opening presents is crazy. I had to include a ridiculous amount of pictures.
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| Esmé, post chicken pot pies |
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| Caelum playing with the toy he got Owen (along with silly string!) |
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| Practicing his football ref signals from the sports book we got him |
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| Hugging the clothes from Queenie and Mantis |
Then it was on to cake time! It took six years for Owen to actually accept that he likes whipped cream, and boy does he.
Owen, we love you so much, sweet boy. You have grown so much this past year, and not just physically. When I see your long, lankiness, I can't help but think of the teenager you will be before we know it! I pray that you will continue to be tender-hearted, compassionate, and friendly. God has been teaching you big, important things about life and death, and I hope you feel incredibly loved by him and us, and trust in his perfect plan for you. Thanks for being such a great big brother and wondeful son. Here's to many more games played, books read, and prayers said together this coming year.
