Honey Bunches Turns 9

Honey Bunches birthday was on the 6th, but due to Gummi's First Reconciliation, late night schedules and the like, we didn't have his birthday dinner until yesterday.

This is the morning of Honey's Birthday.  He cashed in a non-uniform pass and brought chocolate  doughnuts to school to share with his classmates.

Peanut Butter's birthday and Honey Bunches birthday are only two days apart.  So for the last few years, we have celebrated the boys special days together.  This year, Silly asked if we wanted to join them at Pump It Up.  Honey was allowed to invite 3 friends and he felt on top of the world!

The Birthday Boys:  Honey Bunches and Peanut Butter

LEGO cupcakes

All 18 friends and a "few" family

All of the kids (and I think even the adults) had a great time.  The kids jumped to their hearts content, played air hockey (I smoked a few of the kids, including Monkey), and worked up a good appetite.  After pizza and cupcakes, it was time to head home.

Sunday was the day we decided to have our own family celebration with Honey.  He chose the supper of steak, smashed potatoes, salad (the greens were actually my idea), and white cake with chocolate frosting.

Monkey and Honey prepping the meat for the grill.  At this point, we were well within blizzard conditions, and still Monkey charcoal grilled for his son's birthday.  He's a good man!

Bionicles, Angry Birds Activity bag, sugar cereal, ITunes gift card and
The Lord of the Rings books box set.

 Honey declared this year was his best birthday yet, although I reminded him that he says that every year.  It's hard to believe that he is nine years old.  He is definitely his own person, but has very similar characteristics to Monkey.  He is witty, especially at the most unexpected times.  He is competitive and loves to play hard.  A few weeks ago, I picked the kids up from school.  Honey walked out of school red faced and very sweaty.

Me:  What happened to you?
Honey:  I was playing floor hockey.
Me:  Looks like you played hard.
Honey:  I did, but then the coach benched me because of injuries.

Translation:  The Gym teacher rotated him out to give others a turn.

Honey is very quiet at times and will often go off by himself to play.  He could build with LEGO'S for hours or get lost in a book and forget about the time.  He also loves video games which we have to limit him.  I find it fascinating that he's a bit of a chatter-box in school.  His "behavioral issues" this year have included visiting too much with his neighbor and reading books (and trying to hide it) while the teacher is teaching.

Honey is also sensitive and has a very giving and caring heart.

  

I often find him helping his sisters or showing them how to play a game.  This morning at breakfast he took out one of his sugar cereals that Grandma gave him for his birthday.  We told him he didn't have to share with anyone, yet he still poured a bowl for each of his siblings.  When we have been stressed over finances, Honey has more than once brought us his piggy bank to help out.  When Monkey is out of town and I take the kids to Mass, Honey shows his chivalry by stepping aside in the aisle to let me and his sisters ahead of him for Communion. He has a big heart and lots of love to share.

Honey, I hope you will always know how proud I am of you and the young man you are becoming.  You are smart, creative, funny and caring.  I love you forever!  Happy Birthday!