Our very own Groundhog

Groundhog's Day is super special at our house.  We don't really celebrate Punxsutawney Phil the same as everyone else.  We of course acknowledge him, but we have some celebrating to do with our very own groundhog.  32 years ago our Daddy decided to pop out and see if he saw his shadow.  I don't know if he did or not, but I sure am glad that he decided to make an appearance.

Landon isn't very big into celebrating his birthday.  I have gone all out and thrown big parties for him before, but really he would rather just live his day like it was any other, with the exception of watching the movie "Groundhog's Day."  It has been fairly sad to our little "planner," Ellen.  She would love to throw a big surprise party for her Daddy with a huge theme and lots of preparation and, well, BIGNESS.  I had to break her little heart last year and finally explain to her that Daddy doesn't really like surprises.  So, instead, she and her Daddy have compromised.  Ellen usually gets to pick what Landon's cake will be.  What kind, how it is decorated, everything about it.  That way she gets to surprise her Dad and plan something fun and he gets to keep his day more low key.

This year our Groundhog went to work and worked all day and when he came home we had dinner and cake.  Ellen chose Red Velvet with Cream Cheese frosting (we kept it really simple this year because Mom was not feeling up to anything big....post to come on that).  We did, however, put all 32 candles on his cake.

The kids were so excited to get to help Daddy blow out that many candles.  Ellen got to be the photographer so I could light them all, twice.  (Tradition, candles must be blown out twice.  Thank you Connor!)



 













After blowing everything out he opened his present.  Two more seasons of "Will & Grace."  He has been enjoying them greatly since.

For my kids birthdays I usually like to give a list of all the special things about them.  I haven't ever done it before for Landon because, frankly, I didn't want him to get embarrassed and mad at me.  But, since he doesn't really check the blog unless I tell him to I am going to do it and we'll just see if he ever notices.

Landon:

Totally Fun Daddy!  Your babies love to wrestle and play.  "Daddy's are for playing."

Very supportive husband.  Anyone who would wrestle four children down a canyon and then to a finish line to watch a mama finish her marathon deserves a medal of his own.

Amazing EQ President.  4th time baby!

Hard working.  The things you have been able to accomplish at FedEx amaze me.

Handy-man.  You complete my honey-do list and more.  One of the first things that attracted me to you was your willingness to at least try to fix anything.  It has come in so handy over the years.

Seriously Sexy.  We'll just leave that one at that.

Daddy Bear.  You have been willing to put up the fights necessary to help our kids succeed.  Thanks for facing your own ADD demon in order to try to help me and the kids face theirs.

All in all, you are the love of my life!  Cliche, I know, but I truly don't know where I would be today without you.  You have made me into the strong and independent woman I am and have made me the happiest Mama, wife, and woman to ever live.  Thanks for all you do!  We notice you and are truly grateful.

I LOVE YOU!