Happy 7th Birthday, Daniel!!

The day has finally arrived... I was up late last night helping Aaron with his science project for school and true to form, Daniel didn't seem to think much of turning another year older, at first saying he didn't want to open any presents in the morning. Upon awakening this morning, though, he had to open up the "big" box from Aunt Jen and a huge smile appeared when he realized what was inside, a Hotwheels Razor-style foldable scooter. He proceeded to open the present from Nanna and Grandpa and after seeing his present, he grabs the birthday card envelope and tears into it saying, "I hope it's birthday money!" At 7, he's already expecting money...go figure. I dropped the boys off at school this morning as Aaron's science fair display board about Duchess was too big to take on the bus. The fair is from 5 to 7 p.m. tonight at Challenger, so we'll be heading back to school then. Reservations have been made (finally) at the waterpark for the big party tomorrow night and now I just need to find a birthday cake and some ice cream.

Before signing off on this quick blog update, I had a funny interaction with Aaron last night to relate. I was downstairs putting the finishing touches on Aaron's science project when I heard bloodcurdling screams from Daniel followed by the characteristic crying when Aaron's gone a bit too far in their play. I charge up the stairs to see what's amiss and find Daniel crying and accusing Aaron of pushing him into the toy room where he fell on something. I sent Daniel in to the bathroom to brush his teeth as he had earlier been told to do and then sat Aaron down in my room to have a chat. In the sternest voice I can muster, I explain to him that a little brother is someone to be protected by a big brother, not hurt by careless actions and when I asked him to confirm what I said, he gave me a smart aleck response. I put my forehead to his and staring in his eyes I ask him, "What will it take to get you to take me seriously?!" He looks back at me with a sober face and says, "Pushups??" I made it about halfway back down the stairs before breaking into laughter at his latest witticism. It was just about as funny as his offer of donuts to a policeman we drove by in Washington a couple years ago. I just gotta remember to get all these things down so I can write a book of them after he's all grown up.

As for the weather here, the grass is at least half exposed in almost all areas and we saw a rollerblader on the street coming back from Lent dinner at Trinity last night. It reached about 42 degrees yesterday, so it's confirmed the cold temperatures are history for at least another 6 months. Wal-Mart is on track to open come the last week or so in May too, so there's lots going on in this little town...