Birthday Days

We celebrated Andrew's birthday early while we were in Michigan.  We took advantage of the fact that both the Judd and Carson Grandparents could be present.  Cody and Claire, who were at Andrew's party last year, came this year too!  The party was Moana themed as per Andrew's request.

Tyler drove the kids around in the golf cart for a bit.  (He also played lava monster with the kids after we had cake and was a big hit)

Gigi and Papa with most of their great grandchildren

The kids had a dance party to some of the Moana music.

Andrew helped to decorate his own Moana cake.  The cake topper toys came in the mail right when the party was starting.  Thanks Amazon!  They were perfect size for the cake and Andrew loved he could play with them afterwards.

Cake close up

Happy Birthday Andrew! He did not want people to sing to to him this year.  I think it may have embarrassed him.

Andrew requested a lemon cake and we had coconut ice cream with it.

It was enjoyed by all.

We had a pinata again this year too.

Andrew and Sylvia helped Granddad pull the rope.

Sylvia's turn.  She insists on using the blindfold, just not to cover her eyes.

The pinata looked like a hat so Claire tried it on.

It was a nice day for a party.

Big hugs for Aunt Kathy.

Next he opened presents.

One gift Andrew got was a bike!  He did so well figuring out how to ride it and practiced right away on the gravel road by the house.

After nap time the birthday festivities continued and we all went bowling!  The kids were hilarious with their reactions.  It was their first time bowling but they really had a great time.

Sylvia got tired out and needed a break.

Andrew brought his birthday present, Maui's fishhook, to help him bowl.

We are so proud of our birthday boy.  We love you big four year old mister!  You are such a good helper, big brother, with such a tender heart.  You are quick to learn, have an amazing memory, and a funny sense of humor.  We love to be around you and are blessed to have you in our family.

Rachel turned 29 this year! Because we celebrated Andrew's birthday a little early while in Michigan, the actual day of the birthdays was just for Rachel this year.  Tyler and the kids made Mommy a cake.  How sweet.

Being at the end of the pregnancy, Rachel didn't have any energy to do anything for her birthday and had no expectations at all.  She was touched by how excited the kids were to celebrate her birthday and by how sweet they were and the effort they made to make her feel special.  They made beautiful crafts, bought some gifts at the store with Daddy, and gave me lots of hugs and reminded me it was my birthday, a special day.

It was a perfect way to spend a birthday, surround by the ones you love.