Happy Birthday Ryan- 34!

Ryan typically does not care much about celebrating his birthday in a big way. He just isn't someone who has to have a lot of fanfare but this year I wanted to make sure he felt extra special.  Also now that the kids are older they get SO excited when anyone has a birthday!  We ended up spreading out his celebration.  

A little over a week before his birthday we went on a quick getaway to stay at a hotel, get some rest and relaxation, and for Ryan to get to touch base with a few of his med school buddies.  Our hotel had all sorts of nice touches like this complimentary dessert

Trying out some local ice cream 

We also got to see Whitney and Rod's new house and have a fun double date with them, not to mention we got a few snuggles with this cutie.

On the weekend before his birthday Ryan asked for his gift to be two days of uninterrupted, guilt free golf at a golf tournament.  Since he was going to be working late on his real birthday I asked if we could also celebrate with the kids that Sunday.  

He requested country ham biscuits for his birthday breakfast and then we had to take a birthday family photo

While he was gone that day the boys and I worked on making a treasure hunt with clues for him to find his presents.  The boys did all of the clues themselves and it was sweet how excited they got.  Harrison said, "Mommy this is one of the best things we have ever done!" 

Two of the clues:  on the stairs and behind the pumpkins 

Each stop had another clue and a little treasure:  cards from each of the kids, random Lego creations built by J and H, and the boys had each designed him a new coffee mug. 

The grand finale- a new coffee maker!  The boys were insistent that the final prize be in "daddy's man room"

Andrew and Kate had never been up there and they were so excited to see all the golf balls lol. 

A little bit later there was a knock on the door and it was our baby sitter but she wasn't here to sit, she had brought homemade spring rolls and homemade Pad Thai, two of Ryan's favorites!   She is a super sweet babysitter but also a fabulous cook so I asked if I could pay her to make these dishes as a surprise.  She is from Thailand so it's the real deal. 

Kate and Andrew LOVED the spring rolls 

Last but not least dessert! We had had these delicious shortbread cookies at our bible study recently so the boys and I made them together.  They weren't pretty but they sure tasted good! 

Especially with a little ice cream added.  

Andrew and Kate were hilarious when we sang the birthday song and Ryan blew out the candle. I'm not sure they had ever seen that before and they were mesmerized! 

I did feel a little sorry for Ryan because on his actual birthday he was in the OR and on call so it was a really long day.  His sweet OR nurse did bring him this homemade cake and it was delicious!  She is so kind to our family.  

I let the boys have a piece the next day and Harrison insisted on adding a pretzel to his. I love that kid. 

Our major sweet tooth child!  It's funny because he and Kate have a major sweet tooth but Harrison and Andrew don't really care for sweets.  

Happy Birthday Ryan! I hope you have felt loved the past couple of weeks because the five of us sure do love you!