Happy 31st to James!

Jamesy-cakes had a birthday last Thursday and we were pleased as punch to celebrate the man that we love! Unfortunately, James was sick as a dog and had to take a test on his big day.  And on top of that, our oven had died the day before so he didn't get this dream meal and cake like he had hoped. (Life is hard). However, the excitement that the boys had for their pops was so contagious that the day ended on a definite high note once he got home. Our boys were giddy all day about decorating and wrapping presents and at one point Mason proclaimed that birthdays are his very favorite holiday! Hot dog!

After a quick dinner of pizza, we got right down to the business of present opening! Mason went first and was tickled pink that his Pops approved:

 James and Mason reading his birthday card. I love the look on Mason's face.

It says, "I love you for eternity" and has a picture of James and Mason fishing together.

As per tradition, I took the boys to the local thrift store to pick out their presents for Poppy. The variety is great and the cost makes it okay that they don't actually know what to get a grown man. Actually, I take that back, because James gets SUCH a kick out of seeing the oddball things that they come up with! This year did not disappoint!

Mason wowed James with a bug-making machine. Well, sorta more like an easy bake oven with a bug on it: And that reeks of toxic melted plastic fumes when it is plugged in. Obviously a big hit!

 Charpy was so excited to give his gift that he quietly unwrapped it for James while James was already opening Mason's. We turned around and there was Char earnestly taking it out of the packaging. Something about it was so funny to us! 

 Last but not least, James opened Coobie's gift of monster trucks. Go figure! 

 What are the chances that all three gifts were right at the top of his wish list?! Way to go, boys!

 Preparing the bug mould

 As always, the boys were willing to try the toys on for size so that James would know exactly how to enjoy them

After the merriment of presents, it was time for the pinata. When I asked the boys earlier that week what they thought Poppy would like the most, they unanimously voted for a blue jay (????) and so a blue jay it was. They even painted it all sorts of lovely shades of blue in honor of someone's favorite bird! And when I say somebody's, I really don't know who since James was as puzzled over their choice as I was!

But really, who the heck cares what shape a pinata is as long as it is filled with candy!

 The boys had a few pieces of candy before the rest was whisked away to vet school for James' classmates to enjoy.

Last but not least was the cake!

 James gave Mason the green-light to carry in the cake and it made Mason feel like a million bucks! Like a very mature million bucks.

 The boys were nice enough to blow out all of the candles for James. Oh, and ignore the crooked pictures on the wall. I need to do something about that arrangement.

All in all, the birthday was a success, especially since James got exactly what he wanted most of all, a puppy! 

James has wanted a giant schnauzer for the longest time so when we found someone in the area selling some we quickly snagged one! As of now they are about 2 weeks old so he won't actually get his little pup until the middle of June but James and the boys are over the moon! A happy birthday indeed!