Birthdays and Easter

We had a busy weekend with two birthdays and Easter. Friday, Otto turned 11 years old. We do not even attempt to have birthday parties (its always a party at our house!). Instead, the birthday child gets to choose the day's menu and also has free range on the days activities. No school on birthdays and wearing sleepers all day is also acceptable. I did, in the past, have to draw the line at too many meals that include a lot of preparation, but they are considerate about that now. For example, Otto chose cinnamon rolls/cheese and fruit/meatloaf and spetzla and apple pie rather than cake. Breakfast and dinner were more involved, but I had planned on making cinnamon bread (another acceptable option) the day before and didn't find the time. 

Solomon, whose birthday was Monday (he turned 9), wanted Frosted Mini Wheats/tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches/pasta with white sauce and cheese and sugar cookies. They both spent the day playing on the computer or watching movies which are usually only allowed for limited times on the weekends. They seemed to enjoy their days and, of course, the other boys all enjoyed the same benefits with the exception of only getting to watch the computer. 

Louis had a birthday last month (3/22) and became our second teenager. It is nice to be through with birthdays until the Fall.

Another great experience with Cedar Hills Manor (our complex). One of the moms organized an Easter Egg Hunt for Sunday morning.

They hid 240 eggs around the courtyard and invited all the children to search. Otto, Solomon and Olivia had a great time. Jennifer, the manager, gave cups of hot chocolate after the hunt.

I had a great time visiting with the other parents. I have never gotten to know our neighbors as well as I am getting to know the people here. It is enjoyable and exciting for me, though our dinners are sometimes a bit later than I would like because of my increased social life. I will have to be careful about that. Greg's family came over for Easter dinner. Amanda and Olivia were so adorable in their beautiful dresses. 

Again, I am hoping for some days which include a little less activity, but I'm not going to plan on it.