Dad is 30!

This past weekend we celebrated your Papa as he turned 30 on Saturday!  It was a fun weekend full of beautiful sunshine and warmth.  Fifteen years ago I met your father on a hot August day at LGYC while playing a game of sand volleyball.  I remember it very vividly, but your Dad doesn't recall that first introduction quite the same.  We have officially known each other half of your Father's life and I must say I feel pretty blessed to be a part of so much of his history.  The good and the bad.  Our memories have brought us to where we are now, and we have grown so much in our love for one another.  Your Father is a good, good man and it was a joy celebrating him!  You kept saying, "Papa, Happy," all day, and it was the sweetest.  Happy is your way of saying Happy Birthday, and whenever you see candles, balloons, or streamers of any kind you automatically exclaim, "happy!!"

We started the day off with savory egg crepes, mimosa for us and orange juice for you (a real treat seeing that we don't ever buy juice for you!), and a three hour morning nap for you as you decided to wake up at 5:30 and by 8:30 were crying, "Nap, bed, bible!"  After your much needed nap, we all headed out to our neighbor Mathias' rugby tournament in Villard Bonnot across the valley.  He was so happy to see us there, and you loved running around with all the other kids on the sidelines.  One little girl kept talking sassy to you, but since I couldn't understand what she was saying I am not sure if she was having fun with you or being mean to you.  Either way you were oblivious to it all as you were in your happy place with rocks and sticks to boot.  A sweet little boy, probably about three years old, kept talking to you and I couldn't help but laugh watching you try to mimic his French tones and words all while using the most inquisitive facial expressions and extreme hand motions.  You soak in as much as you can when you are playing with kids, and it is so fun to see you learn and grow through you experiences.  Although, we could do without the bad habits you pick up :)

Mathias is the third from the right.  He loves you and it is the sweetest!

On Saturday evening we had a family celebration at home with the Sanchez clan, the lady Puget's, and our other brothers Eli and Daniel.  It was chaos as usual, but so great having everyone together.  Mamie always knows how to make people feel special, and loves a well decorated table.  She requested people wear a fun hat to make it more of a party, and had plenty of extras to go around.  Auntie Donna out did herself and won best dressed.  She must have won you over as well because you haven't stopped talking about "Donna" ever since! :)

You loved playing with Naia, and kept following her around scooting on your bum like her.

By the end of the night, this is the only place you wanted to be.  Eventually you came to me and asked to go to bed!

The celebration continued on the next day with an afternoon at our cousin Emily and David's for lunch along with Gueneal and Harmonie.  We met at her parents house in Grenoble and enjoyed a delicious lunch followed by the traditional French walk (my favorite!).  You had so much fun exploring their large courtyard and playing with the girls.  Capusine was your favorite.  She loved playing with you all afternoon, and always made sure you were right by her side.  It was a beautiful day once again, and you all ran your little bodies tired in a nearby park after a quick stop at a neighborhood carnival.

You didn't move the entire time she was painting.  Not even a little!

Trying to do everything the big girls did.

 Three tries at family photos, and I'm not sure I would call any a real success.  We tried! :)

On our way home we were amazed by the beauty around us once again.  The mountains never look the same, and are always bringing us to our knees in thankfulness to our good God!

"Our Mountain"

It was a wonderful weekend celebrating a wonderful man.  We are more than blessed to call him ours!  Happy 30th to you my darling Paul.  Here's to many more years to come!