The three celebrations of Eric's birthday

We're following in the glorious tradition of extending birthday celebrations as long as possible! We got a head start for Eric's birthday, and kept the celebration going.

Sunday Eric made his own birthday cake. The girls did their best to help.




Then Eric made his own birthday dinner. The girls helped again. (Is that a guilty look Jolie has on her face?) :)


Who knows where I was this whole time, but at least Eric got to do it the way he likes it! Our good friends April and Jeremy came over for dinner, cake and ice cream Sunday night. Here Eric is paying tribute to almost three decades of life.




Monday, his actual birthday, the girls "helped" me make a special candy poster to give their Dad (more like took every piece of candy off the board as I was trying to put it on, and screamed when I wouldn't let them eat it or give them other candy).


But at least it made Eric feel special when he walked in the door!


My gift was some Bath and Body Works aftershave balm. Yum.


This afternoon was the Cold Stone visit! We met Eric at school for a picnic in this gorgeous weather, and made sure to get dessert while we were on campus.






There's at least one more day of celebration; Eric needs to get his free frozen custard sometime this week!

In the mean time, the birthday boy is busy preparing for his candidacy exams in a couple of weeks. I don't think he'll forget the last year of his twenties!

Eric, thank you for always being there for us. For wordlessly taking over for me when I'm pulling my hair out as you walk in the door at night; for playing hide-and-seek and "Daddy-chase" even though you're too tired; for making sure we always pray and read scriptures even when it's really late; for getting up with the kids in the night and letting me sleep; for cleaning the bathroom on a Saturday morning; for your affection and expressions of love; and for making us so very happy. We love you so much.