"Almost two" is the correct answer for anyone asking Soren how old he is, and he can say it himself. His birthday is coming right up on Aug. 27, but we threw him -- and two of his closest friends -- a birthday party yesterday.
The triple-birthday celebration at a nearby park was a reprise. Soren's one-year party was shared with the same friends: Tayla, who is 11 days older than him (pictured above, at right), and Noah, who is 11 days younger (in the middle). (Soren
blogged about this last year--check out how much younger the kiddos look!) The cooperative family effort was another stunning success. No one had to knock themselves out, and no one's home was left smeared with sticky vanilla ice cream... Thanks, mamas Sarah and Shannon. I'm guessing we team up again next year!
The setting was lovely Chetzemoka Park on a surprisingly sunny afternoon rescued from a grey and blustery morning.
We brought our hand-crank ice-cream maker, and Jeff got it started--with his mother Gloria looking on and Soren sneaking ice cubes. We were grateful Jeff's parents were able to make the trip over the mountains this weekend to be with us.
While the ice cream froze, the kids played--sometimes with their mommies, as Tayla did with Shannon on the tire swing.
You can see why they call her Tayla-bug--she's as cute as a bug!
Soren was happy following the twisty-slide train. Grandma Gloria watches from below, and that's River leading the way.
Whee! Soren follows new friend Max down the slide.
Birthday boy Noah was a slider, too. We had to tear him away for the group photo.
Soren's proud grandparents, Gloria and Jim. The carrot cake she made was a hit.
And what could be better than cake topped with homemade ice cream? Noah and Mama Sarah kept close tabs on the finished product.
This year, Soren was not denied any sweets (it seems like forever ago we were keeping wheat out of his diet). He opened wide for this bite of ice cream.
Mmmmmmmmmmmm.
Torin and Max were special playmates for Soren yesterday. Thanks to them for coming, and thanks to
all of our friends who joined us in celebrating the lives of these three very special youngsters.
And as more than one parent pointed out, Jeff and I deserve kudos for making it to Year 2 as well! Ditto to Shannon and Brandon and Sarah and Craig!!
"Almost two" is the correct answer for anyone asking Soren how old he is, and he can say it himself. His birthday is coming right up on Aug. 27, but we threw him -- and two of his closest friends -- a birthday party yesterday.
The triple-birthday celebration at a nearby park was a reprise. Soren's one-year party was shared with the same friends: Tayla, who is 11 days older than him (pictured above, at right), and Noah, who is 11 days younger (in the middle). (Soren blogged about this last year--check out how much younger the kiddos look!) The cooperative family effort was another stunning success. No one had to knock themselves out, and no one's home was left smeared with sticky vanilla ice cream... Thanks, mamas Sarah and Shannon. I'm guessing we team up again next year!
The setting was lovely Chetzemoka Park on a surprisingly sunny afternoon rescued from a grey and blustery morning.
We brought our hand-crank ice-cream maker, and Jeff got it started--with his mother Gloria looking on and Soren sneaking ice cubes. We were grateful Jeff's parents were able to make the trip over the mountains this weekend to be with us.
While the ice cream froze, the kids played--sometimes with their mommies, as Tayla did with Shannon on the tire swing.
You can see why they call her Tayla-bug--she's as cute as a bug!
Soren was happy following the twisty-slide train. Grandma Gloria watches from below, and that's River leading the way.
Whee! Soren follows new friend Max down the slide.
Birthday boy Noah was a slider, too. We had to tear him away for the group photo.
Soren's proud grandparents, Gloria and Jim. The carrot cake she made was a hit.
And what could be better than cake topped with homemade ice cream? Noah and Mama Sarah kept close tabs on the finished product.
This year, Soren was not denied any sweets (it seems like forever ago we were keeping wheat out of his diet). He opened wide for this bite of ice cream.
Mmmmmmmmmmmm.
Torin and Max were special playmates for Soren yesterday. Thanks to them for coming, and thanks to all of our friends who joined us in celebrating the lives of these three very special youngsters.
And as more than one parent pointed out, Jeff and I deserve kudos for making it to Year 2 as well! Ditto to Shannon and Brandon and Sarah and Craig!!
