"It's a jump-a-line!"

So, yesterday we took off to our local Ethiopian restuarant under the pretense of a birthday lunch, claiming that Daddy had to "work" a little while and couldn't go with us.

He was working.  Just not at work.  While we were gone, Kenny and a couple of buddies embarked on the adventure of assembeling the biggest birthday present the boys had ever gotten.

"Hey!?!  Is that for us?"

Fun for all!

After thoroughly wearing ourselves out, Charlie remembered that we had cupcakes and more presents inside, so we took a bouncing break.

Best buds!  And no, Charlie's not asleep, just doped up on too much antihistamine.

For some reason Sam had quite the time blowing out his ONE candle.  So Charlie blew it out for him.  Which resulted in gasps and screams from Sam and a "What did I do??" look from Charlie...

Don't worry.  We re-lit the kid's candle and he finally got it blown out himself.  Just glad we did cupcakes, cause that was an awful lot of hot air and spit directed at that little candle to get the flame out.

We opened presents which consisted of lots of Transformers, lightsabers and Cars cars.  And clothes.  But that's what great-grandma's are for!

We also hung out with buddy, Jamison.  And even though Jamison is a senior in high school, I'm pretty certain the boys think he is their age.  I think the feeling of friendship is mutual though. 

We went back out to jump until dark and I would be lying to say Mommy & Daddy didn't try out the trampoline.  I mean, it was strictly for safety.  Can't have them flinging their bodies all over something that isn't safe.  We just needed to check it out...

Excuse my trampoline hair.

Yeah.  We've still got it.  Just call us the cool parents.  Although, I'm not sure how cool it is to pee a little when you bounce too high.  I mean, is that normal??

Probably too much information.  I digress.

So, we ended a fun day.  Sam declared the trampoline "the best present ever" which made all the planning soooo worth it.

Happy birthday, you two!  I just have one request...stop growing.  Please?

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:  Many thanks to the grandparents who contributed to help us buy "our very own trampoline!"  Sam's words.  Not mine.

5 + 9 = Happy Birthday!

Less than 3 years ago, these two were in a country where birthdays are rarely celebrated and most people don't know their birth date, let alone how old they are.  Which is ironic since we aren't exactly sure how old they are either.  But today, we do celebrate!

Five and nine........  I haven't cried yet, but I'm making no promises.  I just can't believe they are that old.  It's just not right.

More birthday pictures to follow.  They got a big surprise present that Kenny and I may have had more fun with than they have....

Ding, ding, ding...round 2!

Well, let the fun begin...

Our pre-application has officially been sent off.  Well, faxed off if you want to get technical about it.  Complete with a high-five to the fellow adoptive mommy who helped me with the fax machine because I apparently don't know how to use them.  Too many buttons.

Now we wait.

I'm pretty sure I had forgotten what torture waiting was.  Wow.  And it's barely been 36 hours. 

Speaking of waiting, Charlie asked me last night if I couldn't just please show him a picture of his baby sister.  Apparently the kid thinks I've been holding out on him!  I let him know that he would be one of the first to see when we got a picture of her.

It really just makes my heart glad that he is excited about this after so much uncertainty about being a big brother to two. 

And Sam thinks I may keep her in my pocket when she gets here.  You know, since that's where baby kangaroos live.  In their mommy's pocket.  (NOTE:  He knows we are getting a baby human and not a baby kangaroo.  He's just been learning about zoo animals this week.)

Until then...