James Turns 10!

Double digits, a whole decade- somehow James is 10!  We had big plans for this birthday, a special trip with just Ryan and I and James.  All of that got postponed due to COVID but I'm pretty sure he had an awesome birthday- lots and lots of celebrating!  We kicked off the partying a couple of weeks early.  There aren't but so many summer birthday options when it's hot and most places are closed so we ended up renting the pool with another friend who was turning 11. It ended up being such a fun party! 

I made the wise decision to let Harrison invite a couple of friends and to leave the twins at home. I'm pretty sure everyone was happier because of it! 

This was past my bedtime but the kids thought it was amazing to get to swim so late

The weekend before his birthday we were at the beach and decided to do a little pre-birthday celebrating. Any excuse for an ice cream cake right???

Finally the official birthday! Breakfast request- chicken minis of course

Here is a sweet example of Harrison's pure kindness- he was adamant that he wanted to make James a birthday card and then he taped in his best Pokemon card to give him as a gift 

Of course this made Kate want to make a card too. Poor Andrew was sad when he realized he had forgotten lol. 

Lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings 

The kid has a huge sweet tooth!

For dinner James requested steak (specifically filet, baked beans, and Nene bread) 

I thought this was so special, the birthday boy getting to have dinner with all his grandparents!

He also requested a multi layer chocolate cake.  I joked with Ryan that this was by far the most expensive birthday dinner anyone in the family has requested so far. 

Once again- Andrew was pretty excited! 

James today you are TEN!  That sounds so old; I feel like I am going to blink and you will be a teenager.  I am still amazed at how that colicky baby who cried for seven months straight then turned into the most stubborn and difficult toddler and then somehow turned into the sweetest big kid ever.  You are an awesome kid- kind, smart, athletic, and an amazing biggest brother and example for your younger siblings.  They look up to you so much and they adore you.  You love school, Pokemon, Legos, video games, hanging out with friends, and you would gladly play every single sport if I let you. I don't even know what your favorite foods are because you are a bottomless pit most days. You are fiercely competitive and a perfectionist. You are driven like your dad and sensitive like your mom. You give the BEST hugs of anyone in the family.  You are a people person- you love having the people you care about all together.  This pandemic was hard on you because you missed "your people" more than any of us.  You are such a special member of our family. The days and years are flying and I'm doing my best to savor each moment. We love you so much. Happy Birthday!!!

Harrison Turns 7!

It is hard to believe that Harrison is 7! Who would have ever thought a year ago he would be celebrating his birthday in the midst of a pandemic?  Thankfully the statewide stay at home order had been lifted so we were still able to have some extra fun! 

My parents came the day before his birthday to take him to a special lunch outside at a restaurant. His request "fried shrimp!"  

I caught this sweet moment of Kate giving H the card she had made

We let him invite his three besties from school. He had missed them so much!

This water slide was a quarantine purchase- it has come in handy!

Love this boy so much!

No surprise here- a cookie cake that he requested to make himself. 

Throw on a Zelda sword and shield and some candy corn and the cake is ready!

So glad to have Nana and Pop and Granny Baker join us

Andrew always wins the award for most enthusiastic child ever when someone blows out the candle

The sweetest card ever from Davis 

Sweet note from his daddy 

Harrison today you are SEVEN! In some ways that is no surprise, you have always been an "old soul" from the time you were very young. You bring so much laughter to our family; you are funny with a great sense of humor.  We love how creative you are, the way the wheels are always turning in that smart brain of yours, the way you think outside of the box in a different way than all of the rest of us.  You have a tender and caring heart.  I often tell people that acts of kindness in some ways mean the most coming from you because they are completely genuine, motivated by pure love.  You are incredibly smart and your deep questions keep me on my toes.  You have the unique position in our family of being both the older and younger brother and you do such a good job; your brothers and sister love you so much.   You love art, video games, Star Wars, wrestling/play fighting with your siblings and of course the color orange.  Your favorite foods are peaches, mac and cheese, lemonade and sausage rolls.  You are like your mama in that you often need quiet and alone time to recharge. You are like your dad in that you are a problem solver, always brainstorming a creative solution to whatever issue comes up. Our family would not be the same without you and we love you SO much! Happy Birthday!!!