Birthday Blowout

Given that our birthdays are only a few days apart, F and I usually take at least a whole week or two or four to celebrate.

F's 6th birthday party was a small affair. We talked about options and he choose Build-A-Bear. 6th birthday = six guests this year, and it was a really good time (a bigger hit than I expected).

Doing something funny with their hearts.
Everyone got two, one to keep and one to give special birthday wishes to FFM

spider-bear, police bear, cammo-bear, swimming kitty, ironman bear, police dog, and pink princess 

 We crashed the  Noodles restaurant next door for a bite to eat and for the serving of the cake (which came from Coldstone around the corner, easiest birthday party ever!). The Noodles staff were super helpful, even though we made a huge mess!

 F received a couple "experiences" gifts this year. The day after his birthday his Granny Annie had arranged to take him on a train trip and mine tour in the mountains about an hour west of us. F still has a freaky obsession with trains and was thrilled to get to spend the day riding one with Granny Annie and Eric.

 Blurry mine tour photo op

Another fun gift was the giant inflatable ball. There was much discussion and rock-paper-scissoring about whose turn it was to roll the ball.

endless giggles 

teamwork to get it back "uphill"

 F got his first giftcard this year, and it was for Barnes and Noble. It was a perfect gift for him, while we were choosing books he asked several times if these were his to keep. He's got a huge library of his own, but this is the first time he's been interested in picking out his own books. We've been doing it at the library for a while now, but of course those have to eventually be returned.

at the hairdresser enjoying his new book

 My birthday was as low key as it's been every year since F was born. A bunch of my aunties were in town so we had a fun family GNO. Dinner out with friends on my actual birthday left me feeling well celebrated!