Rick's Birthday

This year for Rick's birthday, I let Gwen and her darling babysitter take full-charge of cake decorating duties. I already overcooked it when I put it in the oven, forgot about it, and then got in the shower. I figured it couldn't get much worse. I think Gwen did a great job!

Rick came home from work a little early and we switched things up by doing cake first. We had plans to go bowling with the Wildes, and since Rich wasn't going to be home from work for a while, we decided to kill time by having a little cake.

We had a great time bowling- especially the kids. This was Gwen's first time bowling and she did awesome. I'm sure the staff at the alley was ready for us to go because they practically had to supply us with our own personal attendant. Gwen's ball kept slowly rolling to a stop when it was only halfway down the lane. We also managed to mess up the bumpers a few times. We kept making Rick be the one to go get somebody to help us!

The first game was close for the kids. Final Score: Cole- 52, Ellie- 51, Gwen-50

After the first game, we played a half-hearted 2nd game. Everybody was getting tired and hungry, so we didn't really keep score. We mostly just played around.

After bowling, we headed to Panda Express for a quick dinner, and then back home to open presents.

I love the look on Rick's face when he opens and new scrub brush for doing dishes

Rick knew about the beach umbrella thanks to funny Gwen. When I came home from buying it at the store, I brought it inside to hide in my closet. I yelled at Rick to close his eyes so he wouldn't see what it was. As I walked past, Gwen says, "Mom, what's that umbrella for?" I thought it was funny that she immediately knew it was umbrella even with it closed and tucked inside it's carrying case.

For Rick's "big" gift, I had a mat custom cut to go in a frame we picked out to go on an empty wall downstairs. A few days later, Rick and I picked out our favorite pictures to go in it.

Happy Birthday, Rick! We love you!