They Say It's Your Birthday- Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na

The year has turned! Just as tax day is the official end of the year for many business, in our home we have an alternative year cycle.  Dallin's birthday marks the change from an even year to an odd year or vice-versa.  This year he turned 10, which means Lauren will turn 12 then Kate will turn 6 and Ben will turn 8.  So we began the even year cycle. 

The kids wanted to do gifts first thing in the morning so before we even had breakfast we began the exchange.  First up the "pets" gave Dallin some shorts, diving sticks, and Reeses.

Kate gave Dallin a watch

Ben, Lauren, Mom and Dad all gave Dallin some spy gadgets. 

Lauren, always one to put in some creative energy, made Dallin a really cute pop up dragon card with ribbon fire.  Where did I get such a clever daughter?

So after gifts and Toaster Strudel for breakfast we made use of some free tickets to the Scarborough Renaissance Fair for a great day exploring, playing and celebrating.

Dallin was selected to participate in a Celtic battle demonstration where he was "tagged" after being killed by Boomer's superior swordsmanship

We checked out several fun shows- falconry, glass blowing, carillon bells, a living chess match, and fire whips to name a few.

Then each of the children decided to try out the "stocks" and, of course, they insisted on being photographed.

After all that excitement we grabbed Totino's Pizza for dinner and then partook of an interesting cake.

You'll notice I said "interesting" not delicious or enjoyable.  It was a bust.  Dallin wanted a whip cream frosting and the recipe I found wasn't very good- in spite of high reviews on All Recipes.com.  Oh well, Dallin was so sweet and suffered through it for awhile until finally I pushed him and he admitted he "didn't prefer it." Which at our house is the code word for I don't like it.  :(  He just didn't want to make me feel bad. 

What a good guy.  Dallin is such a blessing to our family.  He brings balance to the force (ie Benny and Kate).