I can’t believe it but my oldest is now nine.  Last Saturday we spent a fun day celebrating.  Every other year we let the kids have a big party.  Preston had one last year so this years birthday was spent just with the family.  Saturday happened to be the nicest day in the week.  We were able to take the family to the green belt and look at the falls and chase the birds.  Preston said that it was his favorite non-party year ever.  We spent most of the day outside.  I had asked Preston what he wanted to do for his birthday and he said he wanted to go to IHOP.  Preston’s favorite thing to eat is pancakes.  He’ll eat them anytime of day.  I think his record is 11 four inch pancakes.  So IHOP is fitting for his birthday.  We opened presents at the restaurant.  Preston really wanted a real tie (no clip ons or zippers).  He also got a journal from his Nammi and Nampa.  He has written in it everyday since.  He also got some money from Grandma and Grandpa T.  So we took him to Toys R Us to pick out a gift.  We walked through the whole store only to find out that he wanted the first thing he saw in the store.  He got a penguin pillow pet.  We then went home and had cake and ice cream.  I find it odd that Preston didn’t ask for a video game or some awesome toys but that he was very practical with what he wanted.  I guess that proves he is growing up.  He is such a sweet boy with a sweet spirit.  We are so blessed to have him in our lives.

This is Preston's design. He made a drawing for me to show me how he wanted his cake.