AJ's Birthday Celebrations!

Celebrating you started with me and Papa waking you from your tender slumber at 7 in the morning to sing you the Birthday Song, your father with his golden tenor leading, and me trying to carry a tune in cup.

But for your Big 6, I had it on my heart to give you a stellar Star Wars themed party.  I had visions of Death Star Pinatas, and Jedi Training Coarse stations, and costumes, and had even sent out a save-the-date request to our friends and family to come.  But as it goes, we sadly weren't able to make it happen this year.  As deflated as we felt about it, we knew that a simple, small party was all we could do.

And yet miracles and blessings unfolded.  Your day was indeed a great gift and celebration of you.

The morning was kicked off by our friend Rachel showering you with love and birthday treats!  She had gifts and cupcakes, a balloon, and even lunch!  She knew we had sorely wanted to do a Star Wars birthday and had thoughtfully brought Star Wars gummies to top her delicious little cupcakes.  It was a warm and bright day, a perfect day for a small and special party in the park.

They sang the Birthday Song to you in the sunshine and warm grass in their sweet little voices.  

I think you were over the moon with all the love and attention from your dear friends.  Look at that smile!

When we got home from the park, we found a mysterious package from Amazon with your name on it. Hmmmm....

From Uncle Isaac, Aunt Jennie and Cousin Bella in San Francisco you got another birthday gift!  A righteous T-Rex skeleton mold kit!  

Before rest time, you had had had HAD to pour your first T-Rex bones.  They'd be ready to paint afterwards.

During rest time, I rushed to set up these humble decorations, loaners from my dear friend Kathy who was so willing to share the adorable hand-made decorations from her son's Star Wars Party.  

So cute!  

Aunt Melissa, Uncle David and baby Cousin Matthew were visiting from Spokane!  What a joy to have them be part of your special day!  Melissa was my friend in high school and she "hooked me up" on a blind date with her grunge-rocker older brother.  It turns out, he was my soul mate and without her, there'd be no Andres!

The boys loved their little cousin Matthew.  Raphael especially loves babies and kept trying to prop him up to play with him.  Matthew is absolutely adorable!  He has so many characteristics that remind me of Andres as an infant.  It draws on my nostalgia and although I love these days (mostly) I miss my babies this size, all warm and snugly.  Six years later I am wondering where I've been.  My little snugly boy has grown into a tall, skinny handsome young man.

Gramma Jane and Grampa Mario were able to bring Cousin Esai from Spokane to take part in the festivities.  There wasn't a shortage of love after all.

Look at that boy!  So grown up and smart.  My heart breaks with the beauty of you!  I hope all your wishes come true! There were cupcakes from the party in park that morning and so in many ways, Rachel had given me a birthday gift too as I didn't have to worry about preparing a cake!  

No words needed.  

Toys!  Games!  Clothing!  Woo hoo!

Thanking Uncle David for the puzzles.  Uncle David is a pretty cool guy.  A military vet and that fun, cool uncle that everybody wants to have.

Thanking Gramma Jane for the clothing and toys. 

The next day, Saturday, you got the last gift in the mail from Aunt Rachel, Uncle Tom and Cousin Marianna in Cincinnati.

You call it your Comic Book, and in a week you had filled it out generously with a highly detailed story of Captain Underpants, complete with vivid illustrations and impressive vocab.   You're a marvel, sweetheart.

The window decals from Rachel proved to be an amazing extension of your play and new media for you to create with.  I'd say it was a sweet and endearing birthday filled with much love, thanks to the thought and effort of so many people to help make it so.