Our awesome second born son has never been able to play outside with a bunch of friends for his birthday. That’s just what happens when you are born in winter. For years Michael and I have discussed the possibility of a “half birthday” for him. Nicholas never seemed very interested.
Within a month of living on our farm he announced that he was ready for a half birthday party. We decided it would be focused on friends and that he would still celebrate his actual birthday with family in the winter time.
Yesterday a few friends from our old stomping grounds along with new friends from our neighborhood came over to celebrate Nicholas’ half birthday. Outside in the 97 degree weather.
Thankfully we have a large shaded area downstairs.
We barbecued hot dogs. Ate watermelon and berries. Opened presents and had tons of homemade ice cream and cupcakes.
They took turns in the canoe and explored all over the farm. In case you are wondering why I don’t have pictures of those activities there are two good reasons. One is that two good friends of mine brought their boys to the party and so I got to visit. The second reason is it was 97 degrees outside. Staying in the shade seemed smart.
There was a definite “boy” theme to the gifts.
Lots of Lego presents.
Some cool frogs.
And what would a boy birthday be without air soft guns. Big ones.
It was a fun time that was had by all.
Karen
Grandma loved being there to meet Nicholas’s and Joshua’s new and old friends/family and to observe their interactions. They were on the go, active, playing, interacting to one degree or the other according to temperament, personality. They were canoeing, learning it, teaching it while the adults looked on from the porch or the deck…such an adventure, such a learning experience. I could write my ownblog of my experience each time we visit. God is good. But I have a full plate. Espalin family, your place is so wonderful. I call it heaven on earth. It is so fun to visit you. I see how happy, joyful, peaceful you are in all your achieving your goals, accomplishing your dreams and the ONE DAY AT A TIME approach to living. Michael, you work a day job and the farm is your vocation. Karen, you home school my precious Joshua and Nicholas and are a truly excellent homemaker. Okay so I am getting boring. Oh, well. I speak truth. They are also excellent hosts. Come visit them.
Happy Half Birthday Nicholas.
Karin, there was no option to post on your Garden blog, but I have to tell you that I am amazed at what you have accomplished with almost ‘sudden’ speed. I know the seeds had to be planted, and there was a big investment in time and energy, but the land has been generous in the bounty it is in the midst of producing. You are abundantly blessed, and we are so happy for you.
Barry and Saundra
Hi Mrs. Stebbing,
I looked at the post and there is a place to make a comment. Not sure what happened when you looked at it. What can I say but “it’s a computer”. Yes, we are blessed with what will hopefully be a prolific garden this year. We have an early apple that the boys have been eating and a plumb tree I didn’t know about until I saw the plumbs on the ground. They were tasty. My mother-in-law brought me some replacement pickling cucumber starts so hopefully I will get to make pickles again this year. God is generous. Take care.