For weeks Carter has been running around telling everyone Happy Irfday Mommy (or Daddy, or Mollie) knowing that his birthday was coming up soon. We sent him out the morning of his party to see his wrapped presents while I layed in bed and listened for his reaction. I heard his whisper "WOW" then he ran in our room, trhew his arms in the air and screamed "Best Birthday EVER!" (I think he gets it off of Tangled...). Then we kicked off the morning with doughnuts for breakfast!
For lunch we got pizza and both sets of grandparents came, Justin & Carrie and their 2 kids, Adam, and Steffan our nephew all got to come! I'm so happy that Carter gets to have and know 2 grandmas and 2 grandpas. I think it is so special.
Getting ready to open gifts
Orange popcorn from G&G Hymas (which he begged for)
A new BSU hat (From G&G Reed) and a hoppity ball thing
His big gift from us was a bike. We let him open his helmet last and then went to the garage for the last suprise.
He ran right to it and took off! Now we really need to have a few bike lessons and learn about using the breaks!
And finally we came inside for Lightning McQueen cake (that I made...although I'm not super proud to admit it!). He blew his candles out on the first try!
Happy Birthday my sweet boy. Thank you for teaching me about patience, unconditional love, selflessness and so many other lessons. You have truly blessed our home with your happy nature and sense of adventure. You mean the world to me and always will. Love you SO much.
Lots of preparations were made and everyone pitched in.
We waited and waited for them to get done shopping, and they were about 40 minutes late to their own party, but that's how it goes when you get the twins together. They finally arrived and I think they were surprised for the most part. Then the party began!
Right away they were whisked away to their seats and dubbed with chef hats and mustaches!
He He He!
The the food festivities began!
Homemade spaghetti by the pound....my family sure knows how to do it when it comes to food!
Next we had a program where we presented a movie that they had answered questions about each other that was a hoot. We all pitched in to buy matching "2 peas in a pod" necklaces for both of them, a scrapbook for everyone to sign with pictures of them growing up and a wonderful poem written by Ericka (Serena's daughter).
And my dear sweet grandpa took a few minutes to express his love to his daughters and talk about raising them, a very special moment.
And our parties are never over with out DESSERT!! We did an Italian dessert table with TWO chocolate cakes, tiramisu, pizzels, biscotti, and cheese cake. Oh so delicious!
Merena & Serena
Of course we had to light candles for them to blow out...Yep that is 100 lit candles on one cake!
Notice the glare from the flame off of their faces! It was a pretty big flame!
Enjoying their scrapbooks.
And you can't turn 50 without at least one gag gift, right? Here they are sharing their over the hill cane complete with spare teeth, fix anything pills, a horn, and magnifying glass.
I've always felt so blessed to feel like I have 2 moms. My aunt Serena has been just as involved in molding my life almost as much as my mom. I never doubted either of their love for me. It is because of these two that our families are so close. I have so many memories with my cousins and still to this day am very close with them. I never had sisters, so i got to adopt all 6 of my cousins as my own sisters. They may be 100 years old together, but in those 100 years I can't help but think of how many people have been served, and loved, and lives influenced because of their generosity and amazing ability to love anyone. These women are amazing, unstoppable, and charitable. I hope some day to be like them. I love you both so much mom and aunt joe!!
Meanwhile, she loves to cruise around with her walker. It amazes me that in 11 short months what she has learned and accomplished!
In true Hymas tradition, Awesome Uncle Chris brought out motorcycles for everyone to ride. I love the look of fear and excitement on Carter's face!
Chad even got in on the fun!
And he always won! ;)
And a pink 4 wheeler made its debut this year at the reunion since there were a few more girls running around this year. Of course, the boys loved it just as much!
