Birthday Success

Jay took two days off for his birthday, and spent the majority of that time with Jack.  Monday they went to Michigan's Adventure, and Jack road every ride his height would allow.  We were shocked by his bravery.  

Jack was SO excited for Jay's birthday that you would have thought it was Christmas!  He began counting down the days the week before. On the big day Jack sneaked into our room to wake us with, "SURPRISE!  IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!" 

My Main Man left to golf with a client, and the preparations began.  Jack and I took off for Costco, and bought Jay's present, and a chocolate cake with a big reputation.  Yes, I am not above buying a store bought cake.  I had heard rave reviews of this cake from friends (Shauna & Susannah) so we went for it.  When Jay got home from golf, Jack met him in the driveway with a huge hug, had him close his eyes, walked him into the dinning room, and said "OPEN!"  {If you have a five year old boy, you understand why I put practically everything Jack says in caps.  It's all loud all the time.}  Jay found his cake, cards, and present waiting for him, plus more hugs from Jack, plus Jack demanding family hugs.  

Then, like an angel from heaven, our babysitter arrived, and Jack was in full swing oh-my-gosh-a-new-person-to-tell-all-my-stories-to mode.  He had been sad all day because he was not invited to go out with us that night.  I explained to him that it was really important for mom and dad to have dates, and time together, and it wasn't a birthday party, but a date.  He still felt sad.  Thankfully Lauren is a rock star babysitter and all his sadness flew out the window as soon as she arrived.

We hit our favorite birthday spots.  The Lumber Baron Bar, and The Chop House of Grand Rapids.  If you live in one of the four cities with a Chop House, you should know that you eat absolutely free on your birthday.  How could we miss out on that?  Beefsteak tomato salad with blue cheese, Cabernet Sauvignon from Trefethen Vineyards, and beef wellington did not disappoint.  Yum, Yum, and Yum.  

If you know us personally, or read this blog regularly, you know that our marriage and family are a far cry from perfect.  {I see you nodding through the screen.}  But yesterday felt pretty darn close.