Uncle Erlin’s Birthday Celebration

March 14th was a fun weekend in Eugene with extended family. Ammon’s Uncle Erlin turned 75 and we went down to attend his surprise birthday party!  It was fun to see the Farris relatives and hang out for an afternoon of visiting and live music (thanks Cousins Debbie, Mick and their band). Uncle Erlin and Aunt Sharon spend their time split between Minnesota, Oregon and Arizona. It was fun to have the entire family together for this special day.

 

Top: Mick, Darren, Teresa, Erlin,Sharon,Deanna                                     Bottom: Vern and Debbie

Annie turns 8!

How sweet it is to see my daughter grow up. I often tease her and tell her how she has to stop growing up!  She tilts her head to the side, rolls her eyes and says, “Mom, you know that’s impossible!”  I do know that it’s impossible…so I am treasuring these moments more and more as she grows.

It’s so amazing to me how fast the years have gone. Ammon mentioned to me a few days ago that we are half way to a driver’s license!  No, it can’t be!  Time flies way too fast! But I have to say, I am enjoying the ride.  Annie is such a special girl! She is my miracle and she is beautiful, fun, full of creative energy, hysterical, serious, intelligent and has a deep love for God. She is amazing and I am so fortunate that God blessed me by letting me (and Ammon) parent her! I know God must have amazing things planned for her and look forward to seeing them all unfold over the years to come!

We had Annie’s big party on her actual birthday.  She requested ice cream sundaes again this year! Quite fun.  Uncle Jason and Aunt Kendra thought the 8 year old would enjoy a birthday ride on the Segway. Before the party she had fun whizzing up and down Marigold street (and the sidewalks)!

Cousins, close friends from our Bible study group and our neighbor Erin joined Annie to celebrate her birthday! 

All the kids were very interested to see what gifts Annie received. Most of her gifts were centered around something Annie could make (a craft of some sort). We are looking forward to a lot of fun projects during the spring and summer months! I guess people really know Annie!

For Annie’s birthday this year we gave Annie her very own digital camera. She was thrilled! She loves taking pictures of everything…and now she can! Nathan gave Annie the game, “Jenga” and is very excited to play it with her!

Birthday breakfast…

The tradition has been broken. Each year I have made birthday pancakes for the kids. The pancakes are in the shape of the age they are turning that year. Fun and traditional…something I remember having when I was a kid. However, the problem is, Annie doesn’t much like pancakes. So this year our tradition was broken and Annie got her birthday breakfast wish, French Toast.  She was thrilled! I was OK with it and I have to say that the change came on a very good year…#8 would’ve been a bit tricky.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Ammon’s dad celebrated his 57th Birthday on March 2nd. However, we celebrated with him on the Saturday after. He came up to Salem so we could celebrate at one of his favorite restaurants, Chang’s Mongolian Grill.  All of his kids and grandkids joined him to celebrate during dinner and then we went back to Laura’s house for birthday dessert!

I didn’t get a great picture of Dad during his birthday celebration…but that really doesn’t surprise me. Though he is quite a funny guy, he often takes a back seat to the things going on. Even when the party is for him! 

When I married into the Farris family I have to say that I was a bit overwhelmed at the father-in-law I was gaining.  Absolutely the opposite from my own dad, he was a little rough around the edges, quick with snide comments and full of practical jokes…I was cautious. 

Over the years I have learned that Dad teases you if he likes you (that was a helpful hint from my husband), and now after 13 years of being part of the family, I know that  Dad is one of the most loyal, loving and caring men I know.  He wouldn’t want you to know that though…and might get irritated that I posted it on my blog. He is always helping his kids; building them furniture, going fishing (and baiting hooks), he loves hiking and camping (not only for the fun of it…but to be with you). He adores his grandchildren and spoils them just as much (or sometimes more than) Mom.   Trips to the “pop store,” fishing, playing in the backyard with the little motorized jeep he keeps charged.

His birthday this year was just another day…and one that is usually out shadowed by his granddaughter’s birthday each year…which I hate to say happened again. But I DO celebrate HIM! A great man and wonderful Dad!

Annie’s birthday slumber party and fun!

This year Annie chose to have a special friend over for a slumber party and trip to the “Create-A-Memory” pottery place to celebrate her 8th birthday.  Hailey and Annie had a great time painting their artistic creations. Annie chose to paint a princess mug and Hailey painted a gecko.

After painting was finished we went home for one of Annie’s favorite homemade dinners…Ribs and mashed potatoes!  And a slumber party wouldn’t be right without popcorn and a movie! Then, of course, lots of giggling and talking in bed before they fell asleep!

Hailey gave Annie two Webkinz for her birthday. Annie was thrilled and of course wanted to register them on-line immediately.  

School Birthday party

Smiles at school! 

Annie’s request was for me to bring in Golden Oreo cookies and milk (for dipping of course)!  She was pleased to be the center of attention for her 8th birthday party celebration!

Family days

I just love weekends with family. It’s so much fun to get the cousins together to hang out and play.  We look forward to many years of fun ahead!

Laura and Amy with their kiddos! Such a sweet picture! Micah…you crack me up!

Oh sweet Lily! She is growing up so fast! She melted my heart when she snuggled in and fell asleep in my arms. 

Reading with Dad/Uncle Ammon. Everyone got in on the Curious George book before heading to bed!