Abe's 4th Birthday

Boss has been looking forward to his birthday since, well, last time he had a birthday. He decided awhile ago that he wanted to go skating at Oaks Park and have a couple of friends come along. We ended up having kids to Oaks Park and then family over for dinner after (mostly for adults that couldn't or didn't want to make it to Oaks Park).

Here back at the house, Joel was mapping Grandma Mary's genealogy. Of course he was. 

Most of the group at the skating rink - Colin and some of his family didn't want to be in the picture.

Sis was crazy good on the roller blades. Wondering if she will be that girl that joins a league.

The bakery I rent out for my business gave me this edible picture for the cake. It's perfect because the cake was otherwise horrendous looking (I never claimed to be good at pretty food), but I hear it tasted good. He wanted chocolate cake with vanilla frosting.

Liz had a chance to skate with her little boy and I love that. First time for him.

The group of kids.

This is during present opening. Jude loves to bust out these teeth at really odd moments.

I think this part of Jude's gift to Boss, but for the life of me I couldn't tell you why he would make him a $4 bill.

After everyone went home, Joel's family stayed on and played baseball until dark. It's kind of a ritual with us and I love it. Sarah and I sit and talk while the boys play ball and girls jump on the trampoline. Sigh. This is what their childhood memories will be made of.

I loved this moment with Joel and Sydney.

Boss and Jake sizing up the skating rink.

Samuel showing Barb his iPad (that he bought with his own money).

I love this photo maybe more than all the others of this day.

Boss started his day watching Thomas the Train. I sort of want to gouge my own eyes out with that show, so I hid the kids away in the craft room.

He was so joyful while everyone sang "Happy Birthday."

I wasn't feeling super fabulous that day, so I held Abby almost the whole time so her mom could skate. This is a kid that needs intense touching and I'm the perfect person to fulfill that.