Beginning of Birthday Week!

I can't comprehend how nine years have already passed...I was just a kid when Alex was born!

{not much has changed...we still have that same chair and that same quilt...I still have the same hairstyle...plus a few grays...and a few more wrinkles...ha!  However...Alex is just about as tall as me!   ...sigh...  } 

Alex is turning nine years old this week... and this is the first year that we didn't have a family party for him.  Our schedules have just been so full...but we hope to get his friends together before school starts!

But we were still able to celebrate with my mom, sister and nephew on Saturday!

Emily caught a little toad on our sidewalk while she was waiting for them to get here...

Then time for lunch at Zaharakos...our favorite old-fashioned ice-cream parlor!

{nice belly, Ellie!}

...followed by {another} trip to the toy store and some playtime at the Commons

{or naptime for some}

...and then home to swim

{thanks Gram for the packs of gum...I think Alex went through a whole pack in a matter of minutes! 

 Better chew up now before those braces go on!} 

{Skipper catching a break in the shade} 

...and unwrap presents!  Hunter will be turning four this week!

It was a fun day...and it always goes too fast...and too long in between our next visit.

Dan's mom and dad and Grandma came to help Alex celebrate on Sunday!

...bringing gifts...for all! 

{Alex had already finished nearly half the steps of the Legos from Grandma & Grandpa after lunch!}

{Grandma Martha and Elizabeth}

{watching Alex put together yet another train track configuration!}

...and then lunch at...where else?

Chili's...yum!

Even without a planned birthday party...I think Alex had a great time celebrating with family...and spending some special time with them, and that's what matters most!