Justin's Birthday & Papa's Visit

Only just a few weeks before Justin's birthday, we found out Papa was coming into town for cousin Beau's wedding. To be honest, I wasn't too thrilled about the wedding, just because it was on Justin's birthday and I wanted to spend the day celebrating him.. but when I found out Papa was coming.. I may have been a little excited.

Within minutes of arriving at our house on Friday afternoon, the kids had him playing outside, playing inside and couldn't get enough of his attention.  It's so hard having family live so far away! 

We were all making up for lost time. :)

That night we got a babysitter so we (Justin, Papa and I) could attend the wedding dinner together.  It was the only wedding festivity that we all would be at together.  It was fun to catch up with some extended family members, but we mostly enjoyed just hanging with Papa.  

That night, we stayed up into the wee hours chatting and solving all the world's problems.  It was too much fun.  But... it wasn't the smartest.  We had a full weekend full of early mornings.  Whoops! 

But.. I did get all the birthday preparations done. Banner was hung, presents were out and we were ready to celebrate our main man early that next morning. 

Saturday morning was our huge conflict.  Justin had to coach Luke's soccer game at the exact time of the sealing. Bummer! So, Papa and I headed to the sealing, while Justin earned the title of the best coach ever! Coaching on his birthday! 

Luckily, we were all leaving the house pretty close to the same time. We opened presents and enjoyed a yummy birthday breakfast of cheese danishes before we all ran out the door. 

Justin loved his presents.. woohoo.. and we all loved starting the day off right.. celebrating the birthday boy. 

Luckily, Justin was able to put Mylie and Ethan in the rec center daycare and had substitution help from another Dad.  I felt bad that he had to juggle so much that morning.. and I would've rather been there with him. :)

The sealing was beautiful and I was officially able to meet the bride. What a fun day for them.  

We froze our buns off waiting outside for pics and I was so anxious to get home to Justin.  

On the way home, we picked up Justin's birthday lunch, courtesy of Ellice.  

She ordered a yummy wing feast! It was so kind. 

After we feasted with the birthday guy.. we all headed to the rec center.  Justin's choice for family activity.  It was so fun! I didn't get any pics of the birthday boy.. only video. Sorry love! The water was a wee bit chilly.. but we had fun swirling around the lazy river, going down the fast water slide and playing with the kids.  

Family time is my favorite time!

After our swimming adventure, we headed home, showered and we were all off again!

This time, Justin and I headed out to celebrate.. just the two of us. We headed downtown to have another feast at Texas de Brazil... a Brazilian steakhouse.  It was delicious and I loved spending time alone with my guy on his special day.  We gorged ourselves, chatted tons and walked around City Creek.  It was so lovely not to worry about the kids and to just spend time with one another.  Love my man.

While we were out, Papa braved the wedding reception with all the grandbabies.  We were SO grateful that he offered to watch the kids, but I did feel bad about all the juggling he'd have to do.  What a trooper! We arrived home around 10pm and the kids had the best time.  They loved picking up movies and treat supplies on the way home and loved their movie night. 

Sunday was another whirlwind.  Church, lunch, then we headed to take Papa to the airport.  

Oh, how I loved his visit.  It was crazy fast but crazy fun! 

Papa sure has a special place in all our hearts. 

Especially little Ethan's... I love that Ethan would just walk up to him and hold his arm out.  

They definitely bonded.  We're lucky to have such an awesome Dad/Papa. 

Sure love you! Come back soon!  :)

And this guy.. 37 years old! Wowsers! That's pretty close to 40! :)

I sure love this man of mine.  He's a loving husband, dedicated father and gives his all in every aspect of his life.  We don't see him near as much as we'd like to as he's spread pretty thin with a rigorous work schedule and a hefty calling but we soak up every second we have with him.  He's an amazing example of hard work, sacrifice and love. His kids think the the world of him.. and I do too. 

We sure love you babe! Happy Birthday!