Happy Birthday! (11 Years Old)!

Last night we celebrated your birthday dinner at our traditional favorite place: Salt & Pepper.

It was so fun to go around the table and each of shared what our favorite character quality is about you.

Ashlyn said that she thinks you are funny and "willy smart".

Mariah said that you are brave and athletic and willing to take new risks.

Teresa said that your brain is always searching for food! You take time to think through things and process information before making a decision!

And I said that you have the heart of a lion [fearless!]
And I said that you have the heart of a lamb [tender!]

Afterwards we shared gifts... you and Mariah each got a new pair of Chaco sandals. You loved them, and can't wait to wear them on our cruise! You also got a new bath bombs for a bubble bath. And new Smart Wool socks for skiing, and a ski hat too!

Oh, and then out of nowhere, Teresa started choking on a french fry. I mean, legitimately CHOKING!

She started gasping and coughing, and almost threw up water... We cleared out the booth really quickly, and I ran over and began to hit her in the center of her back really hard, to no avail. So then I wrapped my arms around her from behind, and performed the Heimlich Maneuver. FINALLY she caught her breath, and the whole restaurant was watching! It was crazy and scary, and I am pretty sure you will never forget this birthday dinner!

Our Favorite Night Of the Year!

The annual "Daddy/Daughter Dance" at Frederick Meyer Gardens has become our favorite tradition. Last night we got all dressed up and went a little early so that we could tour through the butterfly exhibit, and do the scavenger hunt! I must say that I think we nailed it.

After touring the butterfly exhibit, we went back into the main ball room, and took our seat at the tables where you beat me in a coloring contest, and then the dancing started! As soon as the music starting pumping, it was out time to shine. "The DePoy's are here!"

We refused to dance normal. Actually, you chose instead to flop around like a fish and throw your arms around like a crazy person. While everyone else was dancing tenderly in the arms of their father, you were pretending to spray everyone with your farts and flap your wings.

Some of the new dances that we invented:

"The Life Cycle of the Butterfly" (In this brilliant display, you curled up in a ball on the floor like a cocoon, then slowly rose up and twirled around, until you flapped your wings and flew around the dance floor!"

Then we said, "we call this one, 'Playing football'."  (You hiked me the ball and then ran across the ball room through all of the other dancers, all the way down to the hallway, then you pretended to catch the invisible ball and run back to me, celebrating the touchdown!)

We did similar things like: "Starting the Lawn Mower" and "Playing Frisbee"

In the end, I'm pretty sure everyone else thought we were either crazy or brave or super fun. But either way, we had a blast, and I can't wait to do it all again next year!