Birthday season

Once August hits we are in full birthday mode around here -- consuming servings of cake and ice cream at least every other week, or so it seems.

Happy birthday honey!

On Aug. 23, Derek celebrated his 31st birthday :)

Not being one to make a big deal of himself, he didn't want a party or any fuss. He allowed Lydia to pick the activity: a swimming party with the family. We fired up the grill and had his parents and grandma over for dinner after enjoying the pool.

Lydia liked helping Daddy open his gifts.

That weekend we were lucky enough to get a bonus visit from Kevin and Leslie and their family. Sadly, Leslie's grandmother had passed away in Salt Lake, but that meant they were driving through Southern Utah and stopped in Cedar for a couple of nights. It was wonderful to see them!
Because Leslie's birthday is just a few days after Derek's my mom had a special cake for the two of them.

Connor and Reagan -- 2 weeks apart. Love these two!!!

My turn

Then it was my turn for  birthday.
The Saturday before my parents came down and watched the kids while Derek and I went to dinner and a movie. A meal eaten in peace? I'll take it!

My parents came down to watch the kids while Derek and I went to dinner and a movie. While we were gone, Lydia and my mom made my birthday cake.

Then Derek had arranged to have my parents and my grandma come to our house for dinner the Sunday prior. He was so sweet -- trying to make sure I didn't have to do anything for the meal. He even offered to whip up some homemade rolls, but since he's never actually made homemade rolls (I have no doubt he could if he tried) I thought it would be easiest to go with Rhodes. It was a very thoughtful gesture.

On my actual birthday I felt spoiled at work with treats from a couple of my coworkers and flowers from my inlaws. After work Derek called to tell me he was picking up dinner and we celebrated a quiet little gathering with just us and the kids.

Gifts at work -- so fun!

 Apparently I am getting old as this kind of quiet gathering was just what I wanted. Even though I was totally excited about the old movies Derek gave me as a gift ("South Pacific," "Sound of Music," "Fiddler on the Roof") and the ones my mom had given me ("Oklahoma" and "The King and I") I was too tired to even watch one that night.
I'm lame. But sleep is such a great gift.

It was a great birthday!