Birthdays

Today we celebrate not just one Birthday, but two! Jess turns 18 today, and Russ turns... just a little bit older than 18! Unfortunately, sometimes the job interferes with our fun, so we spent their Birthday driving to Spangdahlem, Germany, for an awards dinner. Not the best place to spend your special day, but it could always be worse. At least Russ got a fancy dinner out of it. Before you start feeling too bad for Jess (yes, I know that 18 is a very BIG Birthday), she not only got to go to a huge party the weekend before, but we have a special surprise in store for her. She has always wanted to go somewhere in particular, but we just haven't gotten around to going. So... before we leave our lovely Belgie... we are taking the princess to Rome, Italy. Not so mean now, are we? And if that weren't enough, we also got her this rocking Birthday cake. (and Russ shared it like the sweet Daddy he is.) Happy Birthday to my handsome hubby and gorgeous princess!

On The Second Day Of Christmas...

Brandon turned 14! I have no idea how this happened. I swear, just yesterday he was in Pre-School.

Now he's all grown up. Well, maybe not completely. (He's still my baby.) In case you're wondering, he had a super Birthday and got lots of great gifts. The festivities are flowing over into tomorrow, and fun will be had by all. Happy Birthday, Brandon. You rock!

A Birthday Tradtion

There are lots of lovely traditions in Belgium, but this has to be one of my favorites. They make a big deal out of Birthdays over here. Friends and family come out and decorate the Birthday boy or girl's yard so that everyone knows about their special day. The age is always shared, and lots of embarrassing pictures are plastered about.

It all in good fun, though. On the Friday or Saturday following the Birthday, everyone gathers at the decorated home and enjoys a big celebration that lasts late into the night. If there is one thing Belgians love to do, it's socialize. And they throw one heck of a party. You should see what they do when someone turns 18. Hmmmmm. I'll have to think about that one.

Birthday Monday

How can someone who is only 27 years old have two teenage kids, you ask? Magic, my dear. Magic. (And a chocolate cake every now and then doesn't hurt, either.)

Birthdays And Anniversaries, Oh My!

16 years ago yesterday, our little baby girl was born. To make it even more special, she was born on her Dad's Birthday! (Top that present! I bet you can't!) I can't believe how fast time is flying by! Just look how young these two were! Things were much slower back then. We had no idea. Now, it's hard to just get everyone in the same room at the same time! It was after 7 pm before everyone was home and we could celebrate the birthdays. Russ is working crazy hours right now, and Jess is tied up with soccer practice on most days. Ahhhh...the modern family. We did have a great celebration, though. It was worth the wait. Jess is very excited to have turned 16, and Russ is very pleased to be...um...35. With every one's crazy schedules, Jess decided to postpone her party until she has more free time. Just to make sure she didn't feel sad that she isn't having one right now, Brandon and I filled up her room with balloons while she was at soccer practice. She got a big kick out of that. Today is Russ and my 20th Anniversary. I can't believe we've been married that long! (I also can't believe he's put up with me for that many years! People commit crimes and get less time than that!) Anyhoo, it's been a fantastic 20 years, and we are looking forward to many, many more together.I snuck over to the base and filled up his car with balloons while he was at work today. He doesn't even know it yet. Hee hee hee. He's going to have to do a lot of popping before he can drive home tonight! He might be rethinking this whole 20 year thing. He's probably wondering when he'll be up for parole!

Happy Birthday Brandon!

I can't believe my baby is 12 years old today! He's one happy camper, too. All he wanted was an iTouch, so now he's set. Thanks to all the Grandparents, he also has a couple of iTunes gift cards, so he can download songs, videos, movies and applications to his hearts content. He is so happy...that we can't even get him to blow out the candles so we can have some cake! Wow! Happy Birthday, Brandon! (Now can we PLEASE eat the cake?)