Today is J's 8th birthday. He is such a special boy! H took this picture of us while we were taking family photos. It wasn't posed, but it is one of my favorites. J is very loving and affectionate. He loves super heros, kung fu, and gymnastics. He is very intellectual, taking in information and can remember it forever. He loves the computer, reading his children's dictionary, studying his children's almanac, and snuggling with his mama. Our life is so enriched with J in it. He always keeps us laughing. He is full of humor and prides himself with being the "funniest member of our family".

Happy 8th Birthday JB!! We love you and are very proud of you!!

I posted a while back about the possibility that the boys were mirror image twins. Well, we have taken it to the extreme. L has wanted a mohawk for over a year now. D always gives the boys a summer buzz in June. So, in keeping with tradition, he was giving them haircuts last night. To satisfy L's craving for a mohawk, we told him he could have one for a day. El was given a "reverse mohawk". Now they are truly mirror image twins, right? BTW, they're getting the full buzz tonight.

Did you get your laugh in for the day?

Today is the bwins' 7th birthday! I now have three 7 year old boys in my house (for a week).

This is the second birthday that they have spent at home with us. It was so great to see the sparkle in their eyes to know that they had a special day. L's first question was, "Do we get presents?" El just kept hugging us and telling us he loved us. Both boys said "thank you" many times throughout the day.

The morning was laid back. We had special waffles for b-fast. Then for lunch we went to Sonic. The boys had received coupons for free Wacky Pack Kids' Meals. They never EVER get anything like that (too many kids), so it was a real treat for them. Afterwards, we went swimming at a friend's house. She had b'day cake and presents for all 3 boys (J's is in a week). About 5 p.m., we headed back home to cook dinner and get the party started.

Each child had gifts for the boys- from clearance sunglasses to toys that they just decided to give. We also gave them our gifts. H's gift to the boys is below. She made them a Nemo cake. Isn't it cute? She did a great job!!

It baffles my mind to think back to what it might have been like 7 years ago when they were born across the ocean in another land, to another momma with another language. They were tiny, topping out at 2 3/4 and 3 1/4 pounds. We have been told that El was the first of two babies. That's all we know. We don't even know what time they entered this world.

I wonder what kind of healthcare they had, what they went through, how long they were in the hospital. None of that information is known by us. We missed the first 5 birthdays, but we cherish the last two we have had with them and look forward to many more.

Here are some pics of the birthday boys that I took yesterday. They are absolutely too precious and cute!!

Here's what our family brought in, minus one plaque.

The bright colored flowers were given to me on the last night of work. The others were given to me by some of my gymnasts at the banquet. The certificate is for E for being the most improved Level 6 gymnast. The trophy on the right was to Z for being the hardest Level 6 worker. The trophy on the left was for J for being the boy's team "Rookie of the Year". H was picked for the girl's team Leadership Award and received a plaque (not in picture). The other plaque was a coach appreciation plaque for me. Then every year, the gym presents a "Star Award" to someone who contributes a lot to the gym and exhibits great team spirit. It can go to a parent, a gymnast, or a coach. I got quite a surprise when they gave it to me this year.

Last Friday was my last night at work. Everyone surprised me with a going-away party. Each of the gymnasts made homemade cards (the best kind) to give to me. They sat me on a chair and had me read each one of them. They were so cute and sweet. I particularly liked the one that said I looked 17. :-) They also gave me the money tree in the pic above. Then we had a pizza party and ate a beautiful cake that said, "We'll Miss You Coach Kim". It was a very precious time. Lots of tears were shed.