Costuming

My Turn to be the Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything

Today is my 42nd birthday! We had our celebrations yesterday since we knew Bryan had to go into work today. I love Sunday birthdays, so I was happy to shift my Monday birthday to Sunday.

Here's part of my church view:

A fun birthday surprise was getting to see my brother Jordan and his family. They were on their way home from camping and realized they weren't too far from us. We said hello for a bit in the backyard before they got back on the road. I told them I counted seeing them as a birthday gift.

After church Bryan got to work on my birthday dinner. He made his delicious Panang curry.

Sophie asked if she could be the official gift opening photographer. She did a great job.

Topher was the birthday elf, which means he brought me each package or card to open. This cool popup card was Phoebe's creation.

Here's my sugar-free birthday cake. I've had to adjust what food I can eat recently for health reasons, including cutting out gluten and dairy. But I already had this cake mix in the pantry. I decided I would count this as my final (for the foreseeable future) gluten cake and eat it anyway.

That may have been a mistake. I spent most of last night throwing up. I'm not sure what the culprit was since everyone else seems to be healthy. I'm so glad that we did our birthday celebrating yesterday since I certainly have not been up to doing anything other than lie on the couch today.

I've loved getting birthday messages throughout the day from friends and family members. And the kids have all been helpful and kind while I've not felt well. Peter got up with Topher this morning so I could sleep and Cooper cooked the frozen waffles I'd gotten for the kids to enjoy on my birthday. (I had some gluten-free waffles in the freezer for myself that I'll have another day.) All the kids have taken turns watching Topher and Sophie, Cooper, and Phoebe are making dinner as I type this. Maybe that's been my biggest birthday gift, getting to see them be responsible and serve each other while I've been out of commission.

Summer Fun

On the Go

After Phoebe, Cooper, and Topher each got a scooter as a birthday gift in the last year, Sophie was feeling left out. She had asked for one last year, but I had a hard time justifying buying a scooter in December when it couldn't be used for several months. So I decided we would get her a scooter sometime later, when it was warm outside and she could enjoy it.

That day finally arrived. We don't usually give half-birthday gifts, but this seemed like a good exception to that rule.

Bryan found the perfect scooter for our girl who loves pink.

Sophie had a pretty traumatic crash while riding Phoebe's scooter about a month ago. It resulted in two x-rays to make sure her arm wasn't broken and a wrist brace for a few weeks. When she got her own scooter she was both excited and scared. Her first ride took a lot of courage. Each time she rides she gets more confident in her ability.

Better

Today was a very good day.

Topher got his first dose of the COVID vaccine today. My eyes got all watery and my voice caught when he got it. When we got back to the van I asked Topher how he felt. He let out a big sigh and said, "Better."

Once I was strapped into my own seat in the van my tears flowed a little more freely. We've been waiting for this day for more than two years. I'm so thankful it's finally here.

Just Chillin'

Remember that Father's Day nap I mentioned in yesterday's post? Well, when I woke up I was happily surprised that Topher was still asleep rather than calling us from his room as is his custom. He still needs a nap, but won't take one most days. On Sunday though, after a 5:40 AM wake up time, he was in desperate need. Bryan helped him fall asleep, which is why the grownups got a nap too.

I was still in my room after waking up from that nap when I got a text from Peter. It included this picture:

After a moment of confusion I realized that Topher was in fact not still asleep. Nope. Instead, he had very quietly let himself out of his room, gone downstairs, and was chilling on the couch. Well, so much for my keen and alert sense of hearing.

Dad's Day

I took almost no pictures as we celebrated Father's Day yesterday. There were chocolate donuts for breakfast, the three younger kids made cards, Bryan (and I, woohoo!) got an afternoon nap, and the kids played nicely (for the most part) while our fancy hamburger dinner was prepared. I have pictures of none of it.

I do have a picture of our Primary kids jumping up to sing for Father's Day.

And I have a picture of Cooper's dinner. In his defense, Bryan was also taking pictures of his food. Everybody built their own hamburger from several toppings available. I think Peter added nearly everything to his: cheese, onion rings, sweet potato fries, tomato, avocado, bacon, and a fried egg. The burgers were so big we could barely get them into our mouths. And they were amazing.

Oh, I have a picture of Topher's burger as well. He grabbed my phone to follow Cooper's example. I guess he's a minimalist.

We love Bryan and we're so thankful for him. He's not really one for recognition or celebrating himself, so we're glad he went along with our humble festivities.

Spin

More proof that you're never too old for the park.

Backyard Blossoms

Parking

We're three days into summer break and so far we've racked up lots of outside time. We discovered that the local playgrounds are pretty empty at the hottest part of the day. Thankfully, it hasn't been super hot yet (mid 80s), but we have had to make sure everyone has enough water and sunscreen.

All of the kids have loved playing, even the biggest kid, which proves that you're never too old for the park.