Alex's 12th B-day....

Well, I tried to sing happy birthday to Alex in bed as per his request. Amy and I went to the temple at 5:15 am and we stopped at Einstein's for bagels-thinking I'd stick a candle in it and rouse the siblings and go sing to him. I got home at 7:15 am and guess who was already up?

Yep.

Alex.

"Alex, you were suppose to stay in bed so we could come sing to you."

"Oh."

I asked if he wanted to go get back in bed but he declined.

I had his presents wrapped and tempting him and he had to wait ALL DAY LONG. Pure torture.

At noon he spoke with Ivan and Snezhana on Skype. We got out his hospital tag that Ivan had given me and found out he was born at eleven am! (He's been asking me what time he was born and now we know!)

Austin left for scout camp and a couple hours later Kambree arrived home from drill camp.

Here she is sporting some of her new Badgerette apparel.

James got home about 1:30 but we still made Alex wait until after dinner to open his gifts. I made homemade pizza-at Alex's request and then we opened presents....finally!

Months ago I found this rip stick on an amazing sale. We gave it to Alex last as his big present-with the long board hidden in the garage. Besides that Alex got new Sunday clothes, shirts for school, shorts, a Wii controller-from his siblings- a framed picture of Alex at the temple with with us, and a puzzle of the United States. (He was thrilled about that....NOT!) He was very gracious about his Rip Stick-even though we already have one. And went outside to try it out.

It's a pretty cool Rip Stick-the wheels light up. While he was out there we got the long board out and he squealed with glee! That was what he really wanted!

Rylee made him this home made chocolate-it's her newest Betty Crocker skill-and we sang to him.

When planning his birthday party he specifically asked if he had to invite girls and/or sisters. "No," I said. "Not if you don't want to." "I don't!" was his quick reply. So we didn't plan on it. Then three days ago he asked if Rylee could please come to his party? "If you want her too." "Yes!" he said. Then Kam and Dev-knowing we were going to the drive in-asked if they could tag along too. "Yes!" was his answer.

So we loaded up three cars with nine boys, three sisters and two parents and went to see Despicable Me.

Here's Alex opening presents. He got lots of fun boy stuff. Bionicles, water gun, lava lamp, remote control car, X-box controller, capture the flag game and a Nerf gun. (That's why we gave him clothes! I knew he'd make a haul at his party!)

Someone gave him "hot" gum (cinnamon flavored) which is not his favorite. He sort of groaned and all his friends offered to take it off his hands. "No." he said, "I will give it to my sister!" I think he's finally bonded with his sisters. Not only invited to the party but his first choice to pass his undesirable gum too. (He gave it to Devree!)

The whole gang and his little sister.

And the two big sisters.

He had asked for marshmallow brownies instead of a cake. That's fine by me! (And way easier than last years Sponge Bob cake.) Here he is re-inacting blowing out his candles.

Happy Birthday Alex our boy!

We love you!

Here's a little video of me taunting him just a little bit more before opening his presents!