Birthday Post - Part 2

Yesterday was Brian's birthday, and although we will always have to contend with the sadness & remembrance of 9/11 on his special day, I think we managed to make it a nice celebration for him.

He got lots of wonderful cards from loved ones, and the cake that the boys made turned out really great!

Since Brian had to work all day, we celebrated in the evening by going out to dinner as a family.

 Even Parker was particularly well behaved (he must have known it was daddy's birthday).

When we got home, we sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed the yummy cake!

(Parker couldn't take his eyes off the candles)

Then everyone worked together to blow them out:

Note to self: when you cover a cake with powdered sugar...don't let 3 people blow out the candles.

Parker was so confused by all the white sugar dust on the table.

After that, I couldn't get a good picture to save my life. 

These boys were in full silliness mode!

It was a wonderful evening to celebrate our favorite man of the house! We love you Brian!

Oh...and this is how I found Payton a couple hours later, sleeping in bed.

Maybe cake right before bedtime makes you sleep upside down?!?!

Birthday Post - Part 1

I love to celebrate birthdays! I mean, I really, really love to celebrate birthdays. For the kids, I really like to "do it up" and decorate their bedroom doors the morning of, and surprise them with gifts and fun activities. So, what's a girl like me to do when she marries someone who doesn't like making a big deal of his birthday??? You have to surprise him, that's what!

Since Brian never wants any attention on his birthday, I decided to surprise him with a little dinner party with some of his closest buddies last weekend. I ordered in his favorite food from his favorite Italian restaurant, and had everyone show up after work on Friday evening. Little did I know, two of his friends thought it would be even better if they dressed up like Mike Ditka!

You tell me... does he look surprised???
IMG 2231 from Stacy Heckman on Vimeo.

Then of course, they had to put a fake mustache on Brian too...

 We had a such a great time, that I totally forgot to take any pictures! I did manage to get one quick pic after the cookie cake came out and we sand Happy Birthday to him (notice the name on the cake? - Ha!). But other than this, you'll just have to trust me that we had a wonderful time.

 Yesterday, the boys and I made Brian's favorite chocolate cake. I was pleasantly surprised how smoothly it went. Payton followed all the directions as I read them to him, and Parker happily sat by and watched.

Can you tell how excited they are in this picture? Just the ingredients alone got their sugar high's goin!

 Then of course, the best part of making a cake...licking the beaters!

Today is the "big day" so I'll post more about that tomorrow!
Happy Birthday to the most amazing husband I could ever wish for!!!