Mike's Birthday

Even though he tried to convince us it was every other day of the year, we knew that January 22 really was Mike's birthday (and coincidentally, my Grandfather's as well). Clara was concerned that he had to go in to work on his birthday, but I told her he would be home in time for dinner and a party. She informed me that he would be home early. I found out later from Mike that she had instructed him to come home early & good Daddy that he is, he listened and made it home an hour or so early. Which was good, because everyone was super excited about him coming home. Here's everyone watching (and I do mean everyone!):





So as soon as we saw his car coming down the rode, the girls started screaming "hide, hide!" So we did. Of course they popped out pretty quickly and JM was kind of oblivious to the whole hiding/surprising thing. But he was happy to see his "Dada!" home:



Next, the girls informed Mike that it was time for him to find his presents. They had decided the day before that they would hide all of his (wrapped) birthday presents to make things extra fun. It wasn't too hard to find them, though. The girls were both so excited to give hints (i.e., point out present locations) that I don't think Mike had to really spend any time searching.


Here are a few he had accumulated.

Then he had to open the present Clara had picked out at Target a few days before (she was *so* excited, she almost told him what it was several times the night before). And it was ... Battleship! They had to set it up and play it right away. Which was fun, but made harder by JM running off with the bag of all of the pegs.

After a dinner of Cowboy stew and cornbread, it was time for the apple pie & ice cream.


And if you look closely, you'll see that we were able to use supplies on hand for this party (puppy hats and Elmo hats and red plates!), which was grand since Clara and JM were still under the weather. And Mike certainly didn't mind (he might not even have noticed!) Mike's always one to say not to worry about things matching or being "perfect," he's good about always keeping the big picture in mind and passing on that attitude to the rest of us.

So Happy Birthday, Dada, Daddy, Mikey!!