Birthday Boys

The boys' birthday celebrations didn't happen exactly how I had envisioned but the birthday boys were celebrated and loved (many times over), and that is all that matters, right?

The first celebration was in mid July with Josh's family.  The boys got to celebrate with Grandma, Papi, Aunt Molly, Uncle Brian, Penelope & Lucy.  The family spoiled them with gifts of the sporting type (perfect) and we all enjoyed some delicious chocolate cake & ice cream.

Due to my illness, I wasn't able to plan the party that I had hoped to do (or even bake a cake), so my wonderful friend and her family brought the party to us.  It was so kind of her to do this, and the boys loved it.  She brought a cake, gifts and all of the serve ware.  I was so humbled and feeling like a failure of a mom, but then I turned my focus to what a special blessing it is to have a dear friend who would do this for me in a time of need.  Thank you, Therese!

Gabe autographed a soccer ball for Sean.  Sean keeps that ball close to him, and still talks about Gabe every day.

On their individual birthdays (I was still sick and unable to make anything), Josh brought home a cake so we could official recognize the day of their births....

WILLIAM: turned 2 on July 27th.
Will has no idea he is two, for all he knows, he is four like is older brother.  He is a boy of extremes, and that is no lie.  He is either extremely- happy/angry, quiet/loud, shy/outgoing, etc/etc and in spite of this (or because of it) he is extremely loved!  He is following in his brothers' footsteps, and has aquired a love of sports.  He may not know all of his colors or animal sounds (I have kind of dropped the ball with #3), but he can count to 10 for hide & seek, and he is a darn good goalie in a soccer game, intimidated by no one.
Favorite color: red
Favorite toy: "stink," my old baby blanket
Favorite food: hot dogs
Favorite animal: cat
Favorite family activity: being held

SEAN: turned 4 on August 8th.
Although small in stature, this boy makes up for it in personality and physical prowess.  He can light up a room with his cute smile, and when sad, Sean can stick his bottom lip out about two inches while slumped over, walking at a 90 degree angle- it is adorably pathetic!  He still LOVES sports- watching them, playing them, and learning about them.  Sean has no problem walking up and inviting himself into a football game with a bunch of 10 year olds- he wants to play, so he steps right in and holds his own.  Sean is learning to read, and write his numbers and letters- and doing a great job!
Favorite Color: blue
Favorite Sport: "um, my favorite sport is all of sports"
Favorite food: peanut butter and honey sandwich
When I grow up, I want to be: a Knight
Favorite toy: soccer ball from Gabe
Favorite animal: orca whale
Favorite family activity: playing football

Speaking of birthdays, I also recently celebrated one.  Josh and the boys spoiled me with a much desired dutch oven!  It has really come in handy during this transition while we are very limited on kitchen supplies.  I wanted to share this card that the boys gave me.  Sean wanted to write what he likes to do with me on my birthday card, and he didn't want help writing it.  Josh said he would write a letter, then slowly say the word to sound out the next letter...very cute.  He wrote into Henry's note a little, but it says:  I Love go suwme (swimming) wif (with) mom.  He was very proud of himself, and so was I!

And one last photo...did I mention that a few weeks before we left Florida, Sean got stung by a jelly fish?  Well, he did.   Yikes!