26

The love of my life had another birthday. Twenty-six years old. Ha! For some odd reason, that sounded really old to me this year. Maybe it's just because we're past the hump of the twenties and he's sliding into THIRTY. How exciting it is that we are growing up and getting more experiences, right, love?

Last year's birthday celebrations included a quick trip down to Banff, a snowy hike while pregnant (I think it was the most jostled I felt the whole 9 months), warming up in the hot springs and getting good food with some dear friends.

However much Matt loved spending his birthday
in the mountains, he felt this year would be better spent surrounded by friends and family doing something that our little family loves to do: swimming. We met the other partygoers at Terwillegar rec centre, ate some pizza and hopped in the pool. Our little one loves being in the water so we are always delighted to spend time there and see his reaction to things. It was one of our first times going swimming with other babies and I have to say Clara, Caleb and their little families made it even more fun! After the pool, I bought an DQ ice cream cake at the rec centre, borrowed and knife to cut it, and paper plates from Second Cup (thank goodness they had some or we would have had to use napkins as plates), lit the candle (yes, I remembered to bring candles and matches, but not plates. Ha) and sang in a new year. The evening was a huge success.

Cake pop

Matt's actual birthday was on Monday but as Mondays are his long days at school, our family birthday celebrations occurred on Sunday. I was tickled with anticipation as Matt opened his present. He has been talking about snowshoes for a long while now and I couldn't wait to see his reaction. I will admit that I have not always gotten him gifts he was thrilled about. What can I say? Men are really hard to buy for but I was pretty confident that this gift would be a winner. And it was!

Oakley wanted to help Dad

He was really good!

Mmm, paper!

We're training him for Christmas

"Whoa!"

See? He's SO excited. :)

My guy is the sweetest man. He has so much love for Oakley and me. He has worked so hard to get his education so he can take care of us always. He has an infectious smile. He is never angry. He can dream and plan like no one I have ever met and makes any of his dreams sound exciting to me, even if it wouldn't have necessarily been my dream before. :) He is so willing to serve people. He is the most loving father I have ever seen. He is so smart, especially spiritually. I married a spiritual giant who teaches me and makes me better. What a lucky girl I am. Happy birthday Matt!