Big Days and Birthdays

Last night we got to celebrate 2 birthdays (Landon's and mine) and one big day--Michael's last night at home before moving to Oklahoma City to go to college at OCU. He was all packed up and pretty much ready to go. I cannot believe that my baby brother is moving out to go to college, but I am so excited for him.

We got him a little college grab bag complete with laundry detergent, hilighters, snack food, a camera, a laundry basket and some little fun things to take with him to his dorm.

And, he and Matthew got Landon and I a "date in a box"--a long standing tradition in my family that we used to make for my parents for Christmas some years growing up. It was good fun--and we're so looking forward to using it and actually having a date night.

After a big bowl of gumbo and numerous slices of tiramisu and good conversation, and after all the presents had been exchanges, we headed out to the pool to try out Matthew's new canoe. It was so fun--I can't wait to go out to the lake with him in it. It was huge--all four of us fit comfortably in it, though we were riding a little low in the water, haha!

And, while we have yet to go out together to celebrate our birthday's together because there literally has not been a night we've have free since before Landon's birthday 10 days ago, we've managed to cram in a little celebrating between out other obligations--and are planning to one day in the near future, celebrate properly. :)

On his actual birthday last Tuesday, we began the morning with breakfast in bed from the bakery down the street and his presents.

After work we jumped in the car and went shopping for the rest of his present. We tried to eat a nice dinner a Pappasitos, but ran out of time and had to grab Wendy's instead on our way to play practice. His mom was so sweet to grab a cookie cake and bring to practice though, so we all got to sing him and celebrate a little there too.

When practice was over we headed over to the gym to get in a quick four miles and then we ended the night at home with the Speights' family "I love you" pie, the Cherry-O pie. It's tradition for me to make it once a year for him, on his birthday!

On my birthday, Landon surprised me with something I've been drooling over--a Le Crueset Dutch Oven--as soon as the clock turned midnight.

I absolutely love it--doesn't it look good in my kitchen?? :) I can't wait to cook with it!

We spent the rest of my birthday night running another four miles and then heading out to my parents house to be with Michael and have some time together as a family.

We are so blessed. It's been a great year so far and we can't wait to see what the future holds for everyone.