Elliott Turns 8!

Elliott is a big kid now! I notice that the shape of his face is changing, becoming more angular, more knowing, more grown-up. Yes, I am melancholy thinking that my children will grown up and one day not need Mike and me. In the meantime, we are going to enjoy every minute!

Elliott's birthday was a lot of well-deserved fun. The week before was filled with professional and personal... set-backs... but none of them compared to the call we received a scant 5 days before the party...AdventureLand closed its doors and we had to find a new party venue!

All told, I am grateful that AdventureLand had the courtesy to call me ahead of time to not only refund our deposit but to let us know their doors would be locked on Friday. Can you imagine 20 kids showing up on a Friday afternoon with the doors locked and a giant OUT OF BUSINESS! sign in the window? I spent the entire five days scrambling to find a new location (Sunrise Fun Center) and contact his schoolmates and best buddies.

Sunrise Fun Center came through with flying colors! We had the party corral in the middle of the park, set the kids up with miniature golf, car races and the water-balloon wars. It was a beautiful afternoon and even I managed to relax and chat with friends (thanks to my mom, Mike's mom, Grandpa Ron and my brother, Mark for all their help).

Mike had the "exhausting" task of being co-pilot to the kids under 52 inches. I'm not sure who had more fun, Mike or Elliott? Notice how Mike intentionally tried to look cool in this photo? Was he trying to impress his bride or try to keep from crashing the car?

Happy Birthday, Elliott! I hope you had a day as magical as you are!