Birthday Bliss

It isn't quite Jonathan's birthday yet but that doesn't stop us from celebrating! He's the one primarily responsible for all this partying we're doing (and all the hosting I'm doing) this week. Well, the big shebang on Saturday is Brady's fault, but the rest of the blame lies with Jonathan. His first party - of 3 this week, and 4 in all - was yesterday with his boy friends. That's an important distinction to make because Jonathan takes after his mama in one very important respect - he doesn't like mixing his groups. My sister laughed when she found out about our big bash we're having on Saturday and teased, "Laura... are you mixing your groups?" in that way little sisters do when they think they've gotcha. Why yes, I am mixing groups - hence my need for frequent naps and deep breathing every day between now and then. But I digress...

Jonathan always knows exactly how he wants to celebrate his birthday. He makes his birthday outline months in advance, elaborate notes with sections for whom to invite, what food to have, the where, when and how of it all, and what he'd like for gifts. He'll work and rework his notes until he has it just right.

But one thing's for certain - he won't mix certain groups. "What about so-and-so?" I'll inquire. "She'll have to be added to the family party - I don't think she'll enjoy the boy-party," he'll conclude after thinking on it for a few seconds.

"Ok, and how about this family? And that family? And the other one?" I'll continue. "I think we're going to need another party just for them. How about on Friday?" he'll muse as he shakes his head in a yeah-that'll-work sort of way.

And now you know why I've submitted my application for party-mom-of-the-year and why I've got my 3rd sun tea jug in 2 days brewing on the deck and and why I've got my 8th dishwasher load running before tonight's guests - family plus one neighbor - arrive at 5:30.

But the highlight of yesterday's party - well, besides being with most of his favorite boys of all time - was the addition of this to our family:

Ever since Jonathan's last turtle, Rocky, escaped from the lovely, humane, turtle-eden enclosure I'd built for him in my garden, Jonathan's been begging for another. All week he kept saying, "I've got a good feeling about this, Mom. I told EVERYONE I want a turtle." So when Jonathan's friend Colin called and asked if he could indeed give Jonathan a turtle for his birthday (nice of them to ask!), I smiled to myself. Party #1 of 4 was going to be a good, good time...

And it was! Thanks Colin!