firsts and lasts

Last night was Aaron's 5th and (I assume) final 29th-birthday celebration. Happy Birthday to the Mario Party champion... and tireless worker, great cook (mmm - Indian food!), terrific son-in-law, devoted husband and tender-hearted Dad!




With his girls.




Meanwhile, the guys were in fine form, entertaining us and driving us nuts with their wild and crazy antics! Really, it was a delight to watch Grandpa and Micah having so much fun together - and surprisingly, it didn't end badly, no hurts or tears, just squeals and laughter and wrestling and boxing and riding and shooting and hand-slapping... right up till bedtime hugs and kisses and Micah's exhausted collapse into bed.





Thankfully, someone provided a little calm and collectedness (and sanity) to our evening - thanks, Calvin and Sharon! Even the animals seemed to feel your influence, although perhaps it also had something to do with the fact that Kazan and Cassie had spent practically the entire day running in the snow together. Whatever the cause, this was the first time that Kazan-the-dog and Toby-the-cat actually began to understand each other. Hopefully, a great new beginning for their relationship.





Finally, a brief mention of Grandma and Grandpa's wild and wonderful weekend with Micah and Elizabeth, which was followed by the inaugural meeting of this brand new local Gould Lake women's book-club group! Community! At last!