Rebecca's Birthday

This last Monday was Rebecca's birthday. We had a wonderful time celebrating it with her.



One of the highlights of birthdays in our house is getting to pick the food. Rebecca picked shashuka for breakfast, which is always super yummy. For lunch the kids did lunch in the park and Rebecca and I did make your own sandwiches. For dinner we had pulled pork green sauce enchiladas. Then for dessert we had a triple layer chocolate cake, which is kind of a cross between a cheesecake and a torte. Plus, one of her friends brought by a cinnamon roll bread from Panera's.



We started the day with a early morning hike. It has been super hot here, so getting in a hike early in the morning felt nice and cool. Later that morning we opened presents. The highlight was a newspaper that the children put together. They gave Rebecca a free copy for her birthday, but I had to pay 50 cents to be able to read it with her.





















We then did the free lunch in the park which we have been doing a lot this summer. It's free and a great opportunity to play around at the park and get some energy out. In the afternoon we went swimming in the lake. This is the same man-made lake that we have been going fishing in. One side of it has been built into a shallower sandy beach.







Rebecca turned 36 this year, which means only 4 more years until 40! I don't know how she has managed it, but she still looks like she is 26 - me on the other hand look like I am 46. Pretty soon I think we will be getting the dad and daughter comments from strangers. It is amazing what she has done with the first 36 years of her life - had six children, served a mission, earned a Master's degree, established a home filled with the Spirit, is helping our children develop fun and happy memories, served in numerous different church callings, and on and on. She really is an inspiration to me. I am so grateful that I get to spend all of her years with her now.