Dad's Birthday

Today has been a funny day - funny strange. There's the time change, and then there's the, Dad's missing and it's supposed to be his birthday, change. I've had a lump in my throat the past couple of days, and the past week I've thought many times that we needed to do something special today, and what was that?

As we got closer to today I thought about what would Dad want? Dad would want what he always wanted. He didn't want a fuss, he just wanted to spend time with his family. 

Mom and Andrew came over and we spent time as a family. We talked about Dad a little, but mostly we just carried on the legacy of love and family that he left us.

Happy Birthday Dad. We missed you today!

Alice's Baptism

Preparing with Alice for her baptism has been a sweet experience. She's been very inquisitive and she has very much wanted to understand the covenants that she is making.We've had lots of spiritual as well as practical discussions preparing for her special day.

After lots of preparing, we went to the chapel early on Saturday to set up and fill the font. I had no idea how long it took to fill the font, and when I looked online, the only reference I found was from a missionary that served his mission a few years ago. He'd written a blog and indicated that it took three hours to fill the font. Ken was there extra early and he started filling the font. He went to check on it after forty minutes and it was almost full! But it was cold. I think we'll have it down for Fiona!

We had invited lots of friends and family so we met in the chapel. Alice asked Kate to speak about baptism and her Grandma to speak about the Holy Ghost. She picked the songs, I played the piano and Janelle Elliott conducted. The opening prayer was given by her primary teacher Sheila Woodcock, the closing prayer by her Auntie Laura, and Bro. Brady (our ward mission leader) conducted the baptismal service.

Kate did great, and so did Mom (aka Grandma). Alice was changed quickly, families filled out the baptism note cards, and even though the water was a little cool (Ken had enough time, to empty some water and refill with hot), and Alice forgot to plug her nose, everything went well!

We had a little reception afterwards with snacks - not a meal, and everyone enjoyed spending time together chatting. We missed Nana and Papa who were snowed in up in Manitoulin, but we were so pleased that so many friends and family members were able to come and support Alice!

Alice's Birthday Fun

Let's see...

Thursday, on her actual birthday, Ken made 'A' pancakes for breakfast.

At my school we'd had Disney Day, so I thought it would be funny to pick up Alice in costume. So I did. Alice was a little all over the place - kind of par for the course on your birthday.

We went for dinner to Moxie's. Alice wanted dry ice, ice cream for dessert. It did not disappoint.

 We came home, sang happy birthday and ate second dessert - Oreo Cookie Cake.

 On the way home from Moxie's we stopped by Chapter's and Alice spent her birthday money on a "Biggie Pet" l.o.l. surprise. And she is now the proud owner of MC Hammy.

Friday night Ken came home with a special gift from Kay for Alice.

After dinner Alice and Fiona came out with me to shop for her baptism tomorrow. We're all ready! We're all very excited for Alice's baptism tomorrow.

The Birthday Questions - Alice - Age 8

1. What is your favourite color?

            Orange

2. What is your favourite toy?

            Lego

3. What is your favourite fruit?

            Watermelon

4. What is your favourite tv show?

            Alexa and Katie

5. What is your favourite thing to eat for lunch?

            Tomato soup and Grilled Cheese

 6. What is your favourite outfit?

            My “Smart, Creative, Sweet, Amazing” Justice Shirt

7. What is your favourite game?

            Prodigy (an online math game)

8. What is your favourite snack?

            Meringue Cookies

9. What is your favourite animal?

            Cheetah

10. What is your favourite song?

            Vampire Weekend - Horchata

11. What is your favourite book?

            Princess in Black

12. Who is your best friend?

            Adelyn

13. What is your favourite cereal?

            Lucky Charms

14. What is your favourite thing to do outside?

            Skipping

15. What is your favourite drink?

            Pomegranate Italian Soda

16. What is your favourite holiday?

            My birthday!

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night?

            Snowy the Bear

18. What is your favourite thing to eat for breakfast?

            Lucky Charms

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?

            Moxies

20. What do you want to be when you grow up?

            A Fire Fighter

Ken and the BIG 4-0

I can't remember how many months ago - not that many - it occurred to me that this next birthday was a big one for Ken! He made it very clear that he didn't want any sort of party, so we didn't do that!

His birthday landed on a Tuesday (same as Kate's) and that meant a swimming lesson. I was going to make our usual, spaghetti and meatballs, but we had forgotten to buy sauce, so Ken had to buy himself dinner on the way home from work!

On the way home from swimming we went to Tim Horton's to pick up a Boston cream donut for his "happy birthday" donut, but after going to two Tim's, we came up empty. Settling for second best, we picked up an apple fritter donut.

The girls were excited to sing to Daddy and everyone enjoyed their donut!

It was a thrilling day indeed!

Saturday though, dinner with friends, now that would be awesome!!! Ken had made reservations at a BBQ place he'd been dreaming about for months, we invited the Lim-Andersons, we had a babysitter, all was well!

Last minute, Ken decided he didn't want BBQ, so we changed the reservations to Jatujak, a Thai restaurant. We had a fun dinner, Ken got a most awesome gift - a cap, and the night seemed pretty perfect, until the drive home...

On the way home Ken went from not feeling well, to feeling like he was dying. We got home, I drove our babysitter home and came back to a sad Kate and a calmer Ken. Kate got freaked out because Ken was loudly in pain. I diagnosed a gallbladder attack, and Ken was welcomed into his forties!

Here's to hoping that this isn't a forecast for how fun his forties will be! Welcome to the club Ken, it's a pretty good club most of the time!