Birthdays, Birthdays, and more Birthdays

It seems like February is the month of birthdays in our family.  We start the month off with our sweet groundhog baby and then move on to daddy's birthday on Valentine's day.  Then on the 21st of the month is Calvin's 1/2 birthday.  Its been a fun month of birthday celebrations for the family.

Asher had an airplane birthday party.  We invited a few friends and had dinner, cake and presents.  Rather than trying to plan some themed activities, I decided to just let them run around and play.  It worked perfect, they were completely happy to do that. 

Daddy wanted a special "cashew" cheesecake for his birthday.  I tend to get intimidated by recipes and I've been trying my best to push threw that, so I took the challenge.  We have a vitamix and that helped to blend up the cashews until they were creamy.  Surprisingly, the cheesecake itself was easy to make.  It was the raspberry topping that was challenging because of all the boiling and straining of seeds that took place.  But it was delicious and Joy especially approved.  :)

Calvin had no clue that his 1/2 birthday was on the 21st.  I was trying not to make a big deal about it because it was our Missions day at church and I knew we were going to be consumed with stuff to do.  Rather than telling him, I wrote Calvin, 5 1/2 on our chalkboard on the wall.  I guess he was eating his breakfast and noticed the sign and ran to ask Daddy what it was all about.  I then showed him his 1/2 a birthday cake and he was so excited that today was a special day for him.  When we got to church, the activity center was decorated for the missions lunch and there were red balloons on all the tables.  Calvin's eyes grew really wide and he looked up at me and said, "Is all of this for me, Mama?!"  It was rather sweet. 

Anyway, I didn't get enough great pictures of much, but here are a few pictures from Asher's party. 

Happy Birthday, Asher!

Dear sweet Asher,

You are 3 today!  What an amazing ride these past 3 years have been with you!!  You are so passionate about so many things, we pray that God can help us to grow your passion for good!

You are a big boy.  You've grown 4 inches this past year.  You are like a little bean stock.  We keep telling Calvin to watch out, you might pass him up one of these days.

Last year we could barely understand a word you said, but your speech has improved so much this year that we can clearly tell what you want and when you want it.  You have two volume levels, quiet and extremely loud.  This year we really want to work on your inside voice.  :)

You love to learn and want to do everything that big brother and big sister do.  One of your favorite toys are Legos and you can't get enough of them.  You are also excellent at puzzles and you are slowly learning how to use a scissors!

Mama is your best friend, except when you are in trouble.  Calvin is your favorite person to play with.  You love music and you love digging in the dirt.  If you could listen to music and dig in the dirt, you would be the happiest boy in the world.

We love you sweet boy!  We can't wait to see how God grows you this year!

Love,
Mama and Daddy...Mia and Calvin