Sunday was Daniel’s birthday. He’s our April 15th/Tax Day baby. Of course, since we often receive a tax refund, this isn’t a terribly negative connection. 
Gotta start the presents out with a new game!
Daniel is in the exact middle of our passel of kiddos – a brother and sister older than him and a brother and sister younger. I’ve written about Daniel’s birth order challenges before, so I won’t go there again. This year Daniel’s birthday fell on the weekend of the church’s women’s retreat. Since I am one of the coordinators for the retreat, I thought it might be nice if actually WENT.
David used his AWANA Bible Bucks $$ to buy Daniel a birthday present.
We talked about Daniel’s birthday party options. He wanted to have some friends from co-op and PE spend the night. I got permission for the boys to come on Sunday night (homeschooling is great – they could all stay over until Monday morning without school troubles). Joshua strongly recommended Daniel wait until the following weekend (“It’s always fun to stretch out your birthday and we need Mom here” he said). Daniel decided to take his big brother’s advice and move his party to the next weekend.
Joshua looks on as Daniel selects a present.
Thankfully Joshua took on the birthday decorating job and, although it was Sunday (and by default a bit rushed) and I wasn’t here to help, the living room and hallway were covered in birthday streamers. Joshua picked a very festive red, white and blue theme. It looked very Fourth of Julyish and, since my birthday is in July, I heartily approved.
Tim bought the kids fried chicken after church and topped the meal off with some leftover birthday cake from G’ma’s party. Not a bad birthday lunch! I didn’t get home until late afternoon. Instead of relaxing and being celebrated, Daniel spent a good portion of his birthday cleaning the house (for his beloved mother) and making a welcome home sign (also for his beloved mother). What a sweet birthday boy!
I didn’t expect to be greeted home with such a beautiful sign!
I brought some birthday cake, from the retreat, home with me. We frosted Dan’s name on the cake, surrounded it with votive candles and called it a birthday cake. I would be embarrassed at how totally lame that sounds except the cake was delicious and everyone devoured it happily.
Thanks for sharing your cake, Emily!
We ended the afternoon with lots of presents. The children took good care of Daniel and bought him several gifts. Sarah had great delight in helping Tim wrap the items. The day was absolutely gorgeous so the kids played outside before bed. I was so thankful that Tim and the children blessed my return with a clean house.
Sarah makes sure Daniel opens the present and looks it over properly.
Happy Birthday, Daniel!!! You are now 10 years old, double digits. I can’t wait to see what this year brings for you. May you grow in grace and wisdom in the Lord, becoming more like Him with each passing day.
The Birthday Boy surrounded by his siblings.
Kathy
Precious blog about sweet Daniel. He is growing up so nicely. I see more and more of a Joshua look in him- does anyone else? I know the thick/thinness of body structure is different, but still I see it!
You do wonderful b.day parties. YEA.
I love you, Aunt Kate
Well, speaking as one who is nearly 11, I understand the tenth birthday is a very imporant birthday, most people in America don’t have another digit added to their age.
(let Daniel read this comment) HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAN!!!
Happy Birthday, Daniel! 10 is a milestone birthday around here. So glad he had a good one.
FUN! I LOVE the idea of recycling the cake! Afterall, kids don’t appreciate it anyway.. they just DEVOUR it as you said. (LOL).
Happy Birthday, Daniel! Ten, that is a very important birthday. Looks like everyone made it a special day for you! Many blessings for a terrific year.
Thanks for all the birthday greetings! Daniel was hoping some other folks would chime in and wish him a happy birthday. Thank you so much for wishing him well!
Samuel–are you and Daniel the same age for the next two months??? Cool.
Ye, verily Ye.
Happy Belated Birthday Daniel. Once again I am behind in reading everyone’s blogs. It looks like you had an awesome day and what a great welcome home sign!