Auggie's Birthday Week Recap

One thing we do up right around here is a birthday and this past Monday marked Auggie's special week. Nana had the week off and everyday we did something that we knew Auggie would love. Which really just meant that we were outside almost 24/7. The weather turned out to be perfect for every plan and you will be able to tell by the big smiles in this post that Auggie (and Emery and Bennett) had lots and lots of fun.

Monday I announced to Auggie that it was officially his birthday week. He just gasped. We kicked it off by blowing out candles (practice) and ended up blowing out candles every single morning for the rest of the week. We saved the singing for his actual birthday. Monday's plan was special because it was something we had never done before and I had high hopes that the kids would love it (and at the same time I was kind of worried because you never quite know with Aug.) We went to Arcola to the Aikman Wildlife Adventure. It. Was. Awesome. I already want to go back. The weather was amazing and we enjoyed walking around in the shade, feeding the animals and playing on the jungle-gym. After that we rode on a wagon and got to be so close and feed camels, bison, deer, horses. We treated ourselves to some ice cream and played some more after that. Auggie and Bennett loved every minute of it. Emery was not a huge fan of the Emus. Ugly big birds.

Tuesday we packed up an easy lunch and went to one of our favorite places, Ballard Nature Center. We played, fed the fish and turtles and went on a hike. I of course got a picture of them on the big rock. I remember Emery's first big rock picture and I just have to smile when I see my three babies up there. We somehow always manage to take a longer walk than we set out to (Bennett was heavy and I was hot) but it allowed me to hear Auggie ask to hold Em's hand a million times and to hear Emery point out deer trails and certain leaves to him. They might like each other a little. 

I had to add this video because I don't want to forget Bennett's new trick of the week. He isn't necessarily mad or happy when he does it. Actually he has kind of figured out that it must be funny because now he giggles after he does it. It reminds me of a bulldog face. So now I call him Bulldog Bennett

Wednesday was Newton Pool Day! Even though we have our own pool, this pool is our favorite. We ate at the Freeze before (tradition) and as we were eating, Coach Fulton, the Newton Eagles' Football Coach, walked in with his boys. I whisphered to Auggie that those boys were Eagles and he couldn't take his eyes off of them. He ended up telling them that his favorite song was "On For Newton" (but he was too shy to sing it for them) and said, "Good luck this season, Coach." It was too cute.

At the pool the big kids swam and swam. Emery has a new found love for goggles and Aug really only wears his for looks. Bennett swam for a little bit and then fell asleep so Mom and I took turns cuddling--not a bad way to spend the afternoon! That evening at home, like every evening this past week, Doug and I worked in the yard while the kids ran around, sweaty and happy. You can find them with the neighbor girl until dark every evening and I love it. Simple summer memories.

Thursday morning I had cheer practice so Nana was here bright and early, with donuts! She had cute little sprinkle ones for Emery and Auggie but Auggie had a different idea. He claimed her big one and of course she gave in! After cheer we headed for the beach. Okay, real talk: the beach is a lot of work with three little kids. Last year I could take Em and Aug by myself no problem....that ain't happening this year ha! Emery loved it and spent her time collecting shells. She is just like me. By the end of the day we were all looking for shells. We hit the beach around Aug's nap time so he loved moments and hated others. Not a huge fan of waves or hot sand but as long has he could be sitting on my lap in the shallow he was happy. Bennett loved sitting in the shallow all by himself, until it was his nap time too. Beach tent for the win! (Too bad I have no idea how to fold it up...)

By the time we got all packed up to go home, all kids were sound asleep and Nana and I were sweaty.

Next time we will try going after naps because the beach is still a must. On our way home, Mom mentioned she was wanting Mexican (she hates Mexican) and I told her what a coincidence, I was craving a margarita! We waited for Doug to get home and he agreed that we should take Mom up on supper. My kids love Mexican but next time I should just get them chips and cheese, that is where their real love lies. The restaurant surprised Auggie with a great big dessert and with all of our help, not a bite was left!

Months ago, one of my high school students mentioned that he was going to be in Aladdin at the Little Theater on the Square in Sullivan. I knew we had to get tickets. The show happened to land on the Friday of birthday week, a perfect way to end the week. If you haven't been to the Little Theater you are missing out. Not a bad seat in the house and the shows for younger audiences are put on by very talented young actors. Auggie, the kid that can't sit still, loves it. He was confused though because he kept asking me where all the other princesses were. Sorry, Bud. Just Jasmine this time. Emery of course loved it and got autographs from her favorite characters and Bennett didn't make a peep the entire time. After the show it was cake making time! Auggie requested to have a farm birthday which made decorating very easy. Put some cows here, some tractors here, and you have yourself a birthday fit for a farmer! I love making my kiddos' birthday cakes and this one was the easiest one yet. Friday night I held Auggie extra tight and kissed him as a two year old for the last time. After we knew he was asleep, Doug and I snuck in and filled his bed and room with balloons and waited until morning to wish our boy a Happy Birthday.

Saturday morning I heard Auggie yelling that it was his birthday before I actually saw him. I met him in the hallway where he asked me if he could have his cake yet. I just had to laugh. So at 7am I softly sang him "Happy Birthday" for the first time off the day and I hope I will always remember his smile.  Emery had a t-ball game that morning. She did so much better! Hit the ball once when Doug pitched to her and went after the ball many times. She was also a good teammate--something we told her to work on. If all else fails, cheer everyone on! Poor Auggie just wanted to play. Not the best birthday moment but we redeemed the morning with a big birthday pancake. The rest of the morning and day were spent doing whatever Auggie wanted to do. He ran a few errands with Nana and I, played with Emery and Jordyn and took a big nap. He requested a baked potato for supper (and ate two) and then it was party time! We went simple with his birthday; cake, ice cream and a few dips, so we ate a little and then opened presents. We did presents a little bit differently this year too. Auggie doesn't really play with toys all that much. Most often you can find him roaming around the year pretending he is a farmer. (If you were wondering what the blue glove was in one of the pictures, that is his milking glove. Duh.) So when it came time to think of gift ideas I didn't want people to spend money on things he wasn't really going to play with. And then we saw the perfect, RED, riding tractor and trailer. We knew he had to have it.....but those things are expensive! We decided to mention to everyone invited that in lieu of presents, they could just help us purchase the tractor. 

It was a win, win! A few people still bought him perfect gifts. A few swim toys, tools, a tractor shirt, bubbles and even snacks! When it was time for the big tractor reveal, everyone went outside and I told Auggie to go look over by the garage. He literally walked right past the tractor toward the garage....we couldn't believe it! Finally we told him to turn around and there it was. 

And he has not stopped riding it since.

Aug made a million laps into the night while the girls played and the adults visited. The night ended a few hours past bedtime but we were busy catching lightning bugs and eating leftover bites of cake.

This morning Auggie argued with Doug that it was still his birthday week and I really can't disagree because he has gotten to do exactly what he wants to do, ride his red tractor.

We had a wonderful week celebrating Auggie and I know he could feel the love. 

Now to sit back, relax, and watch my farmer drive by.