Golden 31 and Lucky 7

My oldest baby and I had a great birthday week. Nolan was due on my birthday, but he was born nine days late, and I'm always glad there's a little bit of separation between our two days. I actually was born nine days after my mom's birthday - so there's a trend there!

 

"This way to the beach, guys!"

On my birthday, we drove up to the Indiana Dunes on Lake Michigan, one of my favorite spots in the world. It was a perfect day, and it was right before the Labor Day weekend rush.

It was hot hot hot that day, but the kids didn't seem to mind at all as they dug in the sand and waded in the water.

I love the view of the steel mills and the far-off Chicago skyline. It's home to me.

We ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and goldfish, and we made a mental note to buy a beach umbrella so that next time we have some shade.

 

I wish I would have had another hour on the beach just to search for sea glass. Can you spot the little green piece I took home with me?

When I was a little girl, my mom used to tell me that my special golden birthday would be when I turned 31. It sounded forever away. And now that I'm here, I think it was worth the wait so I could celebrate it with my four guys.

I didn't get any photos of it, but we had dinner at Greek's Pizza with my Grandpa and step-Grandma Gayle and Aunt Sally. Afterwards, Grandpa brought out a little vanilla cake for me. We also took home some pretty cupcakes from Designer Desserts.

The next Saturday, we had a Lego party for Nolan. My mom and Don were visiting, and we invited the rest of our family here in town. It was the rainiest weekend ever, but we didn't let that get to us.

We feasted on hot dogs, chips and dip, pineapple, chocolate cake, and candy Legos.

Nolan fittingly received a big Lego set from his cousins, so all the kids (+ Steve) got to work at building a Coast Guard helicopter :)

And the younger ones were happy just to play toys together.

My mom and Don stayed with us through the weekend. On Nolan's actual birthday, we went to church and everyone in the congregation sang to him, while he just beamed. We had lunch at the Original Pancake house and he played with his birthday gifts the rest of the day. I hope 7 is the very best for him!

xo

Rachel