Family Birthdays

May 23rd was Olivia's 14th birthday.  We love our family birthday parties when it's just us.  Food is a big deal on birthdays and we always let our children pick what they want on their special day (within reason, of course).  This year, Olivia didn't want a cake (not even an ice cream cake!) but instead chose fruit dipped in chocolate.  I called around in hopes of borrowing a fondue pot but no luck so instead borrowed a mini crock-pot perfect for dipping.  We had art class at our house on her birthday and then pulled out these goodies to share.  It was a nice way to wrap up art class.

Too many hands in the chocolate at once!

Yum!

Sisters stuffing their faces!  Oh, I forgot to mention how the day began.  Rich has started a tradition on birthdays.  He always takes the special one out for breakfast with just him.  Sometimes birthdays fall on weekdays and so he will wake them up early to take them out before he goes into work.  Of course, they all love it when Dad treats them special.  The rest of us run around and decorate the house while they are away.  So Rich took Olivia out to a new place he has never been to before called The Original Pancake House.  They said it was fabulous with homemade syrups, real whip cream and "to die for" pancakes! I can't wait for my birthday!

In the evening, we picked up dinner and had a picnic at the local nature preserve.  This is a park with lots of walking trails.  The weather was perfect and we went for a long walk at dusk. 

One of our favorite things to do as a family is hike.  We love the outdoors too. I really wouldn't call this hiking because of the paved trails but it's a little hard to hike anyway with a stroller.

I really like this picture of Olivia.  If you click on it, you'll get to see her close up.  She is 14!  I can't believe it.  The reality of it hit when the night before her birthday we decided to watch some home videos of her first year of life.  Wow, talk about going back down memory lane!  

We've all changed so much in the last 14 years, not just Olivia.  Looking at her as a newborn and wondering what kind of person she would grow up to be is really eye opening.  I wonder if the next 14 years will pass as quickly as the first?  Will I look back on the next 14 years in wonder?  My guess is yes. When she is 28, I will look back on this picture with just as much astonishment!

I couldn't resist putting in a few pictures of our newest member, Micah James.  He is doing some funny things with his tongue these days.  He is starting to mimic us and we him.  He likes to stick his tongue in and out and then watch us do the same.  It's a new game we play.  Pretty cute!

He loves to swing!  This is him on the playground at the park.

I have no idea what kind of child he will be in 14 years.  Olivia has likes and dislikes but I didn't know what they would be when she was little.  Would she have curly or straight hair?  Would she be stubborn or easy-going?  You really have no idea when they are little what their personalities will be like.  

I think I'll enjoy Micah the way he is right now and get to know him better as God decides to show me his character. But I can't help but wonder. . .

This is another great shot.  Olivia is like a second mommy to Micah.  He reaches for her when she comes into the room and she loves it. I wonder what their relationship will be like as he grows up?

All hot and sweaty.  It was a very warm night.

Baths are in store when we get home!

We walked up to this tower that overlooks our area.  The sky was really cool and I was glad we just happened to do this at sunset.

This is what it looked like from the top. We decided to head back before it got too dark.

Ok, a friend of mine introduced us to lemon ices and they have become a favorite.  Especially on a hot night in Texas!  I'm drinking one right now, in fact.  We make them in the blender and they are the consistancy of an icy but lemon flavored.  If you want the recipe let me know.

AJ and Julia bought Olivia these sunglasses for her birthday.  She was pretty happy to be drinking a lemon ice with her new shades on!

Happy Birthday, Olivia!