Happy Birthday to Gage and Gavyn. Gage’s birthday was the 13th and Gavyn’s was the 24th. They’re 4 and 2; respectively. We had a party at the house. Allie’s sister and her family were with us, as well as Bob and Rachel and Kim and Ken, and my parents and sister.

We cooked out and rented a big inflatable castle for the kids to jump around on. It was a nice afternoon; though it started storming later that night. My wife’s sister and her family stayed with us until Thursday night, when we went over to visit Allie’s brother’s house. We all went fishing at Raccoon State Park, where Allie managed to catch herself a Sun Fish.

The Library was closed on Monday, so I decided for myself that I’d do whatever on Sunday without feeling guilty. We ended up going over my Uncle’s house for a cookout. Allie went shopping with the girls, so it was just me and the kiddies. Gage and Gavyn got to swim in their huge backyard pool, as well as play on their excellent swingset\treehouse. I got to catch up with some relatives, and my parents and sister were there.

Following the cookout we headed back to my parents to meet Allie and see the fireworks. We watched them from lawn chairs on the sidewalk. When the fireworks started, my little one asked for daddy. She watched the fireworks from my chest, blanket in hand, shielding her eyes. She peaked through to see them and then cuddled up when she was scared. As a father, there’s NOTHING better than having my little daughter curl up against me, safe in my arms.