Dillon's 14th birthday!

Dillon turns 14!  He is such a kind, athletic, smart, and bashful boy.  The day before his birthday school was cancelled so he got to have his friends, Leelan and CJ, come over earlier.  They spent the night, played games, shot airsoft guns, among other things.   He is always a pretty calm kid so it was neat to see him acting pretty excited about it. 

After they headed home (on his birthday) Grandma and Papa H came down.  He opened his gifts, we had beans and weenies for dinner, played some games and ate brownies and ice cream.  This is for sure my kid, he wants beans and weenies for dinner (traditionally my birthday meal) and pumpkin pie for dessert (my birthday dessert).  Though he was disappointed when costco didn't have their pumpkin pie so he begrudgingly decided on the brownies.  

Kayda had to read Grandma's card to him because he can't read cursive well.  

Buddy hung out with us on the table while we played games. 

We had trick candles, he had to keep blowing it out, he put an end to that by licking his fingers and pinching the wick....spoil sport.  

Carson's 10th Birthday!

Today Carson turned 10!  We officially no longer have any single digit ages in our little family.  Carson has determined that he isn't ACTUALLY 10 until 10:17 p.m. 

Yesterday we had to finish our camping recovery program.  Then we played Dino-opoly (I hate any monopoly games so it's my best gift for him).  Later Leelan, Avry, Kristee and Zach came over for a few hours.  The kids had a great time running around.  The weather was too yucky for any pool time though.  

Today we started with presents (I swear he was going to bounce out of his skin).  Then he worked his way through playing with each thing.  The boy is loved and had many wonderful people thinking of him.   Kayda gave him the gift of time in the pool.  Dillon has an ear ache but Kayda said she would play in the pool for at least 20 minutes.  They switched over to the hot tub and lasted a little longer though. 

We ended up having dinner at Red Robin with Grandma and Papa H. 

I got my hands on some relighting candles.  It took a good long while until he could get them all to STAY out. 

Dillon's 13th birthday

Dillon's 13, officially a teenager!  He is as tall as Kayda now and passing his grandma's.  He had a pretty chill day and had his best friends CJ and Leelan spend the night.

He wanted an actual cake, not cupcakes this year.  He had fun adding sprinkles. 

I discovered kind of late that we didn't have birthday candles.  We got creative and used some tapered candles instead.  He thought it was hilarious.  I was honestly surprised they stayed standing!

Kayda's 14th birthday and Thanksgiving in Montana

Kayda's 14th birthday landed on black Friday this year.  Dad's family decided to spend Thanksgiving at a big house in Montana.  We celebrated a little early privately and then she celebrated with everyone on her actual birthday.

I thought this picture was hilarious.  Everyone on their phones, not interacting at all.

 

The house had an access road down to the river.  It was amazing being in Montana with the lower humidity. It was below freezing but I felt more comfortable than 40° at our house.

Left-center-right with candy!

Ticket to ride.  

Happy birthday Kayda!

Uncle Pat and Grandpa H brought some 22's and the kids did some shooting.

When there's a river, rocks must be thrown.  The boys had a great time doing that while Kayda and I wandered and played photographer.

Climbing for icicles.

They attempted to have a bonfire. It didn't work but it was a valiant effort.

Carson's 9th birthday

Carson turned 9!  Of course he was anxious to open presents so he opened some in the morning.

He wanted a remote control ATV.  Dillon thought it would be funny to have it in the shop on the carjack.  

You'll notice that birthday gifts are always wrapped in Christmas paper.  That's kind of become a tradition because I only get birthday wrapping paper when we need it for a friend... And often we use bags for that.

In the evening Grandma and Papa H came down along with cousins.

Blowing out candles was entertaining because we bought trick candles.  He thought they were pretty great, in case you can't tell from his grin.  He handled them much better than I did when I was young.  I thought the solution was to spit instead.  I'm pretty sure no one ate that cake... Sorry Grandma and Papa G.

The kids broke out the new tracks

 *Unfortunately, I'm so far behind I really don't remember what we did the rest of the day.  Hopefully I can keep up now.