Danny Turns 11

All three of the kids *really* look forward to their birthdays, and this year was no exception for Danny. Being a non-party year (in the blow-out sense of "party"), Danny came up with a great suggestion for how to celebrate: He invited 4 buddies over for an all-out nerf gun war in the backyard. Considering that he has been accumulating an impressive arsenal over the last year or so, it was nice to see them all get some solid use. And thankfully Mother Nature cooperated and gave us an incredibly beautiful, warm enough but not too warm, day!

After instructing Tim and I to hide the guns (and extra bullets) all around the back yard, the five boys let loose and proceeded to spend the next hour and a half in warfare heaven. Easiest party ever! Eventually they came in for some brownies and ice cream, then went back outside to play hoops until the moms started rolling in. We knew it was a successful event when each boy groaned at the sight of their ride home - no one was ready to leave! Danny ultimately pronounced it "the best birthday ever," which sealed the deal.

This was the culmination of a week of celebrations that began with our fivesome dining at his favorite place, Fogo de Chao. It really was a nice meal, the first time the five of us had been able to connect and relax in a while. From there we went home to enjoy his Hawaii Five-O inspired cake!

And a few days after that Donna and Larry arrived into town, which not only meant a nice visit with them but the big reveal of their gift to Danny: A trip to San Diego for a full-day excursion on the USS Roosevelt next month. Suffice to say, Danny is definitely excited about this!

A truly terrific boy deserves a truly terrific birthday, and Danny is most certainly terrific!