The Birthday Boy (Age 9)

Little Lewie turned nine on August 11th, but so far, it's been a month-long celebration.  Last week, we invited Lewie's friends over for a pool party, and this weekend, we invited family.  (Lack of chairs and tables kept us from being able to host all at once.)

For Lewie's friend party, he asked for his "bestie" Corey to come over.  (This is the first time he announced that he has a "best friend" at school.)  However, he is quick to announce that "everyone" is a best friend.  This includes friends from Cub Scouts and friends he has known since he was a toddler (from Mommy's circle of friends).

Lewie's friends Ryan (left) and Hunter (right)

Lewie's "Tag Buddies" - Corey and Brody
(They play tag all the time during school recess.)

Here are a few more fun pictures captured with friends.  Basically, they spent the day playing in the pool, jumping on the trampoline, and eating yummy s'mores cupcakes.  (They did stop one other time to eat pizza.)

Lewie's family party meant favorite aunts and cousins on both sides, (including Ninny, Grammy, and Uncle Moises), and since my in-laws know how to party, they stayed well into the evening for some night swimming, campfire songs, and s'mores.

Oreo Cookie Ice-cream Cake - This was Lewie's next choice after s'mores cupcakes

Gift time was fun.  Presents ranged from Minecraft Legos and Star Wars StormTroopers to an astronomy book and telescope.  Of course, he also did get some Game Stop gift cards and a few video games--namely, Spatoon, Mario Kart, and The Legend of Zelda.

Now that the rush is over, and I have the chance to reflect on both weekends, all I can say is that I feel truly blessed.  We are sorry that some of our loved ones, namely Papa, Uncle Terry, and Aunty Sarah are no longer with us to celebrate this special day, but we know they were with us in spirit.  At the same time, we feel incredibly lucky to still have Lewie's grandmothers and great aunts to celebrate with us.  And of course, all the little cousins keep us on our toes, too.  We had two beautiful days of weather surrounded by friends and family--I can't imagine asking for anything more.