Cade's Birthday

Happy, happy birthday 

to our favorite 11 year old boy!

Cade is a great kid who loves math, soccer, computer programing, reading books and joking around. He has a beautiful smile, a contagious laugh, a helpful spirit, and a competitive personality. 

We LOVE our Cade!!

As Cade's getting older, he's less and less interested in a themed birthday party. That means less work for Mom (thumbs up) and simple, uncomplicated birthday celebrations. 

This year, we had one of his favorite dinners, Creamy Lemon Pasta with Chicken, 

gave him a few gifts,

and enjoyed a basic yellow cake with chocolate frosting (his favorite).

Then on Saturday, Cade invited his good buddy to join us at Ocean Park,

 a marine-life theme park with rides, animal exhibits, and shows.

We rode the cable car and loved

the fantastic view of the bay.

As the big boys explored the park for the more adventurous rides, like the big roller coasters, the younger kids enjoyed the less intense rides and animal exhibits. Abby's and Ian's favorite ride was the giant swings.

Every time Ian went around he was in a different flying pose (sorry but this is the best picture we got of him posing) - what a character!

Although Leah was too short for most of the rides, she enjoyed the many animal exhibits, including seeing the smallest monkeys in the world.

The parrots were fun to watch too.

We all enjoyed the dolphin and sea lion show.

And walking through the giant domed Grand Aquarium with thousands of fish and other sea animals on every side made it feel like we were in the ocean with them.

It was a beautiful day at Ocean Park and a great way to celebrate Cade's birthday.