Monday, July 26

Friends and Happy birthday to you!

Gramma, Uncle Jon, Scott, Erin and Drew came down on Thursday night for your birthday weekend... Hooray!   Drew and his parents were the first of the bunch to arrive... and since it was so warm, we all went swimming!
 
You and Drew are exactly 4 weeks apart... Drew is the older of you two.  What a blast to have you two little friends so close!

We love spending quality time with Erin, Scott, and Drew... and all had a blast splashing in the "cool" tub, as Daddy calls it, and catching up.  You little buddies are so cute together.  Now old enough to recognize that the other exists and ready to explore together!  You took your first bath with Drew and pretty much hung out side-by-side during his visit.  As we were almost done in the tub downstairs, Gramma and Uncle Jon pulled in the driveway (after a 6 hour car ride in Friday afternoon traffic.  Yikes!)  Auntie Jane is staying with Franny, so Gramma and Jon could come visit...  she is so sweet and thoughtful.  During breakfast, you and Drew ate side by side and Titus was hoping for some scraps to eat.  Both you and Drew took food off each other's trays.  
Nice sharing Alexander!
Bath time with a friend is so much fun!
You both still looked a little sleepy after breakfast
On Saturday morning we all worked together to set up for your birthday!!!  Gramma and Jon came up in the morning, since they spent the night at James and Jalaine's house (super nice of them to offer their extra bedrooms to them.)  
 Gramma and Uncle Jon took charge of making eggs, ham, punch, and waffles for the kids.  Mommy hung decorations and got other things set up, while Scott and Daddy set up tables on the back deck and did 'behind the scenes' prep.  It was awesome to do it as a team.  Erin spent over an hour cutting up fruit for your party.  We appreciate everyone's help!  Our friends starting arriving around 10:30 am, and about a half hour later we had brunch, then cake and ice cream, and you then opened presents on the front porch.  
Check out the cool monkey wrapping paper!
We love the birthday brunch tradition!  Gramma made party favor bags for your young friends and they absolutely loved them.  She says that every year she'll do that and when you're old enough, the two of you will go out and pick things for the goodie bags together.  What an awesome tradition to start!
Your Uncle Jon knows how to make you laugh and smile! 
 
Uncle Jon also helped your friends with their breakfast, and Daddy wore his special shirt from the day you were born!  Grandpa James wore his special shirt too, and Jalaine videotaped you eating your cake... you sure had fun!
 
 
Your birthday cake is really 
an over the hill design from Costco.  
 
We liked the mountain picture for you so that's what we ordered... since you're our little adventurer!

After everyone left, you kept "partying" and decided you weren't ready for a nap... so we opened up some more presents.  
 Your friends and family gave you such nice presents!  Around 6:30, you ate dinner and started to nod off... so we put your to bed... and you woke up a little after 7 pm and wanted to play again!  You are a party animal!
Your birthday was a blast!  We are so incredibly blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.  And what a gift to have them celebrate YOU with us!  Happy birthday buddy!