Turning 8 is really great!

Strider's birthday was the best one ever -- by all accounts. I hope it's not too early for his birthdays to "peak" -- but we both agreed we couldn't foresee any birthday ever topping this one. :) He was surrounded by so many people who love him -- and so many goofy, funny, happy boys! The day started with our regular birthday tradition of a (free) breakfast at Bob Evans. This year Aunt Katie came, which was definitely a highlight. And then he had his much-anticipated all-sports party. Strider + 8 boys + 3 dads + a few extra little siblings = Total Fun!

Since it was yet another 100 + degree day, we couldn't do all of our planned outdoor sports, so we improvised with some indoor activities first before heading out. All in all the guys played a blindfolded paper football game, a baseball/darts-type game, a modified bocce ball game, a squirt-gun football game, kick-ball, and a blindfold water-rescue game. We only do birthday parties for our kids when they turn "even" ages -- so only every-other-year -- and this one was well worth the wait!

After all the friends left, we quickly cleaned up a little, switched out the centerpiece on the dining room table, re-filled the cupcake display, and got ready for dinner! Then Uncle Deuce, Aunt Amy, baby Kai, Nonna and Poppa all came over and we got to have even more fun. We all made our own individual pizzas, and then after dinner Strider and the other guys all played his new golf-pool game (which is a very creative idea if you ask me!).

Strider was very, very blessed. And we are, too, to have him in our family. Here are a few pictures of him with some of his new gifts.... he's growing up!