September Birthday Celebrations

When Jessica was expecting the twins, she repeatedly told them (while they were in the womb) that they did not want to come in September, because we already had enough family birthdays in that month, but October would be perfect. So, of course, they were born on September 30---they didn't want to miss out on the "Big Birthday Bash!"

We gathered to celebrate everyone's birthday yesterday Sept. 27--except for Gary who filled in for someone at the temple in the morning.

The birthday people--Ben, Alex, Elessia, Carter, Jena (missing Gary)

This year, we added number candles for everyone----I didn't have any matches so we didn't burn any candles this year.  Hopefully birthday wishes are still good. :)

Hats for the younger birthday girls....

Lunch at the Asian Buffet---

Somehow I missed getting pictures with Jessica and Elessia but they were there as well.

Carter and Alex were able to open their presents from us at our gathering yesterday.

They were so darling and so excited about their gifts, even their books.  Carter started reading her new book while she still had another present to unwrap---I think we are related!

Jessica and Elessia gave Jena some new theatre soxs.  She loves them!

Now I will back up and add a few photos from our smaller celebrations for Ben, Gary, and Jena----

We took donuts to Journey House where Ben spends his days Monday through Friday.  He invited Jena and I to come for lunch to eat the lunch he picked for his birthday--Fried chicken fingers and baked Mac and Cheese....and the donuts were dessert.  It was good to meet the staff in person and some of the other clients who also attend there.

And for his cake, he chose an ice cream cake from Baskins Robbins.  It has been many many years since we had tried one of these.  It was expensive, but very yummy.  He chose an Oreo mint cake.

This birthday was special for Gary and I, because it was the first time in a very long time that Ben expressed how excited he was for his birthday.  He made a list for me of things he wanted and as he opened his gifts, he was peacefully happy...and there were smiles from time to time.  It might seem like a simple thing in the middle of life--but it was important for us.  I hope he can hold on to those memories and feelings for a long time (at least until his next birthday!)

Next up was Gary's---he and I tried out a new-to-us Thai Restaurant across from Smith's.  It was good (not as good as Pad Thai in Ft. Smith, but it was enjoyable and we will go again for sure.

Gary's stack of presents
(not sure how we missed taking pictures during
Ben's present opening. Enjoying the moment, I guess.)

Jena's celebration was pretty late on the day of her birthday (actually that probably happened to all of the kids many times during their lifetime as we tried to wait for everyone to be home.)--hers was late for a different reason (see next posts),but still fun---

She wanted to pose with her gifts.

Ben and Jena taking a selfie

Jena has gathered so many notes, photos, and memories that we need to get things organized with her.  This is one of three different scrapbooks which we gave her to help in that process.

Elessia's birthday is on the same day as Jena.  I am not sure what they did to celebrate with Jessica's crazy schedule of work and school and internship, but hope they fit some fun in there somewhere.  Carter and Alex's birthday is this coming week and we will be taking them to dinner at Denny's tomorrow night to celebrate with them alone. Ben was the one who picked Asian Buffet for our Big Birthday Bash.

So, still a bit more partying going on, but almost through the September celebrations.

I feel so blessed to have all of these people in my life!  I am so grateful to God for all six of them!