And this is where I lament on and on about Taylor getting so big and mature and me getting older and not believing my baby is getting so grown-up...anyway, enough of that.

It must be a sign your son is getting older when he requests for his birthday, instead of a cake, an edible arrangement which is fruit cut into shapes in a bouquet.  Or maybe the telescope to learn about the sky.  Well, we actually did fondue and it was a big hit-fresh fruit, pound cake and marshmallows dipped in some yummy chocolate.


Rendi even arranged it all nicely to fit in some candles. Turns out most of us don't really like cake on our birthday.  I like cheesecake, not be mixed in with common cakes, Mike likes fruit cobblers and Taylor likes fruit.  Hannah might be the only cake lover in the house. 

The adults could hardly squeeze in to get some fondue.

We did get Taylor a telescope and also a ripstick.  For those of you not familiar with toys for pre-teen boys-it's like a skateboard with two castor wheels. It's flexible in the middle so to move it you move your feet back and forth.  He has been asking for one for awhile but I wanted to make sure he REALLY wanted it.  It was a hit, he has been riding it all weekend.  I made him get protective gear. He also got a really cool talking book about the solar system and some stylin' clothes.  He is really into the plaid thing right now.



Last week, as part of an assignment for class, he had to study the immune system and make a report and diagram and also a spleen model out of salt clay.  Oh the fun of science!  He really loves studying this stuff.  He could rattle off every part of the immune system.  I just wish I could get that enthusiasm for say his handwriting skills, oyyy.  He is such a great kid. 

Shaka, brah means "hang loose" in Hawaii and I think best captures what I really experienced.  It was all about relaxing, and having no worries-that is what Sean, Mom and I kept saying if we got a little worried about something.  What a beautiful place to be this time of year.  The water was clear turquoise and so warm, the sand soft and white.  It was torture only getting to stay for 6 days, but I missed my family so much. I had a wonderful time relaxing and enjoying time with my family there.  We went snorkeling and I got to see some awesome fish and a sea turtle, that was pretty exciting.  The wedding was beautiful and Robb and Trina looked so happy. As usual I didn't get many pictures with  myself in them, oh well.  I brought back a nice sunburn to remind me of my time there....now back to real life...and snow here in Idaho.

Tomorrow I am leaving for Hawaii for my brother's wedding....and the kids and Mike are staying home.  I would really love them to come with me.  I haven't ever left them all at home for 6 days...I have made lists for Mike, made menus, made some food for the fridge and fretted about.  This is my family that I take care of and I'm leaving.  Of course I'm excited to go but a bit hesitant to leave them.  It's just who I am and I am okay with that.  Hannah gave me some "presents" (read: she places items from around the house in a gift bag-so cute) tonight.   She loves giving things to people and it doesn't bother her one little bit that it's already items we have.  My gift bag included Halls, chap stick, gum, bangle bracelets and this:

This sticky will definitely make it in the suitcase.  Love. It's really all you need.