30

 Good heavens.  Did I even mention that in the craziness of having a new baby, Ben turned 30? Well he did.  He wasn't thrilled about it, and made a valiant effort trying to convince me that he was having a midlife crisis and needed to go buy a Camaro.  Maybe in a few decades, honey.

 I started planning things about a month before his birthday because I didn't know how I would be feeling having given birth 10 days prior.  I had a vague plan, but it all came together the night before.  I got 30 balloons and had a picture of him at every age attached to the balloons.  There was also a coordinating present (or picture of a present) attached to each balloon.  There were lots of practical things I gave him, and the things there were pictures of were things like camping trailers and Camaros.  He was very surprised and the kids had a GREAT time celebrating with him.  You would've thought it was their birthdays.

 Sweet little E gave me all the money he had been saving up ($5) and asked if we could "mix our money" so he could buy Dad an Iron Man Lego set.  It was very sweet of him, though I think he knew Dad would share with him. :)  Sammi drew Daddy some pretty pictures.  He loved those as well.

 Maddi had a great time, as you can see.

For his birthday "cake" I made a Coconut Tres Leches Trifle from Mel's Kitchen Cafe.  It was absolutely divine.  I was hoping he would like it, and he almost died of happiness.

Happy Birthday Ben!