Happy Birthday, Shaun

Shaun's birthday is April 15, which up until three years ago was fine.  Then he started doing tax preparation and started to be busy on April 15 and I had to learn the hard way to not plan anything big on his actual day.  During the day I went out with the kids to pick up his presents.  We couldn't do it before then because like any three and four year olds, they cannot keep a secret.  When we got home they made him a cake because to them, it is not a real birthday unless there is cake involved.

Enjoying the fruits of their labor.  Yeah, yeah, I know...no raw egg, blah, blah, blah.

Aiden helped by snacking happily in his chair.

In their defense, the cake broke apart mainly because I only used the two eggs I had instead of the three the back of the box recipe called for.

We drank hot chocolate while patiently waiting for daddy to come home.

And then we had our 10 PM birthday bash.

The girls brought out the gifts that they had wrapped and hidden.  We did some brainstorming about what kinds of things daddy might like.  Avery had some good thoughts but finally settled on sunglasses.  She also spent quite a bit of time making his card.

Then it was Amanda's turn.  WISH I had this on video, but the series of photos will have to do.  She couldn't stand the suspense, so she busted through the layers of tape herself.

Dun, dun, dun, dun...eye drops!

I was planning on returning them in a few days without Amanda's knowledge, but not Shaun.  He immediately opened them up.  He doesn't wear contacts and has maybe never used eye drops in his 39 years, but it was clear Amanda was excited.

This picture makes me laugh out loud while at the same time my heart swells for this man who is such an incredible father.  Right then and there, he put drops in both eyes, exclaiming that he could see so much better, just as Amanda had explained to him.  He is truly one in a million.

The next day he had to go into the office for a couple hours in the morning and then was done!  I started a welcome-home-after-being-gone-for-three-and-a-half-months fight with him (I know...nice) but we quickly worked through that.  I surprised him with a trip to Providence.  We ate at an amazing restaurant in a quiet corner booth where we sat practically on top of each other and kissed and held hands and laughed and talked and ate really yummy food.  It was delightful getting reaquainted and spending time together.  Thanks to Pop and Kiki for taking the kids overnight.

This is the only (horrible) picture we have of the night, but I thought I may want it some day.  Shaun's new phone has a very bright flash.  I'm so thankful for the dear treasure God gave me in Shaun.  Happy birthday, Buddy!

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him

Matthew 12:35