Happy Birthday Eric!

Okay, so I know that like usual I am a little behind. But I wanted to make sure I didn't miss wishing Eric a Happy big 3-0!! I started by taking him out the Friday before. He loves Indian food (which I am really not a fan of) so we went to a cute little place for dinner and then saw Batman. It was fun, as usual, to get out of the house without the kiddos. And kind of fun to see a movie opening weekend. We usually wait until it has been out for weeks so there isn't as much of a crowd. His actual b-day was on a Sunday so we were lucky to have him home all day with us (except during church of course). We bought a bunch of Happy 3oth Birthday decorations and had the house all decked out. We started with breakfast in bed and then in an attempt to keep in the spirit of 30 he got to open a present every 30 minutes. It was so much fun for the kids and maybe only slightly annoying for Eric as he tried to prepare his Sunday school lesson. By the time he actually opened the present and we left him alone we were back in 20 minutes later. Because he is so practical, we showered him with fun gifts like socks, work shirts, ties etc. I did throw in a bag of candy and a container of his favorite nuts. The kids also made fun coupons for date nights with them. That night after dinner we had some people over for cake and ice cream. He made me promise I wouldn't make everyone sing, but thank goodness the 8 or so kids there wouldn't let him get away with that! All in all I think he had a great day. I, of course, forgot to take pictures of any of the festivities, but following are a few of my favorite pictures from the last couple years.

This WAS (notice the emphasis on was) Eric's motorcycle. He only had it for about a year and then he sold it. I know he was so sad to sell it and some days I feel bad that I was so glad. Maybe someday when we don't have kids at home he can get a bigger, badder, better one (maybe I shouldn't sayt that because now he will have that in writing).
He loves to cycle. This year was the 4th or 5th year (I can't remember) that he has ridden in the MS150 (180 mile bicycle ride from Houston to Austin). You can usually find him and his brother out riding somewhere on Saturday mornings. I love that he has something that he enjoys doing so much.
He is the best dad ever!! Most nights after dinner he is found upstairs either playing games, reading stories or wrestling around with the kids. He loves to play with them and make them giggle. They are so glad when daddy comes home!!

Another cute thing is how much his little princess loves him. She always saves him a place right next to her! If she has to choose between mom and dad she chooses dad 99% of the time. She has him wrapped around her little finger for sure!

He's also my handy man. He loves building things and working outside. His latest project was this little playhouse for the kids. His next is a play gym for them in the back yard. If he had more time I know he would love to build all kinds of furniture and fun things for the house. I already have a headboard and a shelf that he made for me. I look forward to the day when more handmade things will come!

These last two pictures are two of my favorite. He is so much fun, and couldn't ask for a better husband or father for my kiddos!

I hope you had a great day honey. I love you more and more everyday! You will always be my superhero!