The creative challenge was representing both ages on the cake: they both have a 6 in their age, but whereas that's all we need for Ian, Dad's age is two digits, starting with a six. My brilliant sister decided too use the opportunity for some math education, laying out candles on the tables and explaining to Ian how each represented certain amounts of years or decades and how combined they would add up to Papa's age. Dad happened to be behind her getting some water and looked somewhat stricken--I tried not to laugh, but failed miserably. Sorry, Dad.
Very excited about cake, as usual.
This may have been an attempt to "help" by telling him what to wish for.
A little teamwork was in order to blow out the candles.
My sister: "Moooooommm! Make her stop taking pictures!" Um, have you met me? And secondly, this tactic never worked well when we were growing up, so it's very unlikely to work now, babe.
Time to open the gifts: first up was an action figure from TRON: Legacy.
Ian was very pleased to deliver Papa's gift from me.....he just wants to share the love.
Those are BBQ rubs, Dad.....they're for an activity called COOKING.
After years and years of birthdays, I'm still amazed at how difficult it is to open toy packaging.
Making sure the teeny tiny weapons are stored in a safe place, as if there is such a place with active boys.
They're still too young to have been infected with the "Men don't read directions" virus.
Rinzler showing off his cool, circular weapon thing that he stores on his back.
From Grammy and Papa he got a B.I.G. Hand. It is, literally, a big plastic hand.
Grammy about to become the first victim....
Alert the media: we've found birdseed the squirrels don't seem to like. Finally.
The day wouldn't be complete without some rough housing in the front yard.
I told him to take it outside and beat up his brothers. Yes, I really did.
