Dwayne and I had his holiday work party the night before, but we decided to make both that and the youngers’ co-birthday party happen the same weekend.  I love that family is willing to drive this way for a small birthday party.  We had make-your-own panini sandwiches, which Dwayne quickly, rationally, rechristened “porninis”. 

Since they spent the night at Gramma’s the night before (and I spend the week working), I sent them over with pans and brownie mix and Gramma helped them make their own birthday cakes.  When they came to their own birthday party, I gave them frosting and candles and they did their own decorating.  I’m not sure I’ve ever made any of my kids (or hubby) a birthday cake, but even at ages 8 and 10, they do a better job than I would.

It’s a tough call if Wesley likes presents or time with Parker more.  But both, he can handle!

Thanks for celebrating with us, family and friends!

Wesley woke up as an 8 year old today!

Since I’m posting this months later, I don’t remember many details, but he got compliment cards from everyone in his class

before we invited his class to walk home and enjoy cake and ice cream.

Funny, now I have a recollection of vowing not to invite that many boys inside my house again after that afternoon.  Bad luck, kid, having a winter birthday.

The one thing Wesley really wanted was a drumset, so he got both an electronic one (that he could plug in headphones for my own sanity) and a small bongo drum that has so far been indestructible.

[Funny story, when Wesley packed his suitcase for a two-night stay at Great Wolf Lodge with another 8 year old friend, I found those bongos right in the middle of all his clothes and toys.  He sadly listened while I tried to explain why it’s not a good idea to bring drums to hotel rooms.]

It is still a toss up who found this the most amusing: Mama, Wesley, or Piper, but much laughter accompanied this little excursion.

What’s this?  Beautiful, clear skies?  Blue water?  Double Bluff Beach?  Dwayne wearing two winter coats?

Must be time to

POLAR BEAR!

We met fellow bears and friends Matt and Emily at the beach. The kids abandoned clothes immediately…ids

…and then made a girl pile with their towels.

I think my face gives a good indication of the temperature.

I’ve had this bikini since my twenties.  It’s a bit ironic that the smaller an item is, the better it can fit.

It’s noon!  Time to….

…Holy CRAP that’s cold!

We quickly come back in. First picture stamped at 12:04, Kyla is out of the water at 12;05. 

First back in!

Wow, this kid makes me smile.

Vivian really tells it like it is!

Piper’s smile must just be frozen on.  You can see Matt and I both helping Kyla back.  Her legs were pretty numb.

Easy to believe she’ll be a teenager soon, right?

A hug from this guy is as good as the complementary hot cocoa!

You’ll just have to believe me on this, but that’s a bald eagle circling overhead.  But you can just admire the blue, blue December sky I got to enjoy walking down Sandy Point to do my Mama Loop. 

I love being able to leave everyone at the cabin and go for a walk with my best friend—me! (Occasionally, when Dwayne and I go together, he tells me to walk circles around him so we stay together.)

A week later, the weather wasn’t quite as nice, but here in the PNW, I can appreciate dry!

Love this island.