Gabriel's 11th Birthday

June 12th

It's hard to believe Gabriel is 11 already. I have known Gabriel since he was just four years old, and the last 7 years have flown by! This year for Gabriel's birthday, we didn't have a big party. Instead we are going to Discovery Cove at the end of the summer. Gabriel has wanted to swim with dolphins for years. The deal was he had to save up half the price of his own ticket. After Christmas and birthday money and working a couple of days at Grandparent's houses, he did it!

Nathan and I still wanted to make Gabriel's birthday was really special, even if we weren't having a party. In order to prepare for his birthday, we (Nathan mostly) blew up well over 125 balloons and stuffed a treat in each one. When Gabriel woke up on his birthday he was streamered in his bedroom and the loft was filled with balloons.

Preparing for the big day.

Natalie loved all of the "balls".

 When we were blowing up the balloons, Natalie had a field day running back and forth through them. She loved them!



His shock that morning.

Rolling around in all of the balloons.

Natalie still thinking the balloons are all for her, while Gabriel was checking out his candy.

Our morning started off with a quick breakfast, and we left for the zoo. We have annual passes, and Gabriel decided he wanted to spend the morning there.

They were awfully brave to stand right under the bird!

In front of the rhinos.

Cooling off in the fountain.

Trying out the Merry Go Round. Natalie looks like she is really riding it!

Going down the slide at the play area.

Natalie being a big girl with her brother.

Gabriel wrestling an alligator!

Because we were there so early, the animals were super active. We saw the cheetah (Nathan's fave)walking up close and personal, the monkeys were playing around and rolling down the hill, and this elephant was drinking water and we could hear it going into his mouth from the trunk. It was pretty cool!

After the zoo, we left and went to Dave and Buster's. D&B is like a really cool adult Chuck E. Cheese. It has yummy food, a bar, and great games. When you go during the day, it is the perfect place for an 11 year old! While the boys played, Natalie and I walked around and explored. Natalie spent most of the time walking under tables throughout the place. She was even given a monkey stuffy for being "cute"!

Racing each other.

Natalie giving it a try.

 That night we ate dinner with the Grandparents at a Japanese Steakhouse. Although the food was good, the show was great! Our cook did a great job and was very entertaining! I didn't take any pictures because after such a tiring day Natalie was not in the mood to sit still. Until next year, Happy Birthday Gabriel!