Dekker really looked forward to his birthday this year - he was excited for the presents, cake and most importantly to wear real underwear to bed (no more pull ups). We unknowingly started a new tradition with Hazel's birthday this year. She opened her present from Dekker the night before her birthday so she insisted that Dekker open his present from her the night before - and viola - we will be opening presents from siblings forevermore the night before! Dekker also didn't have a friends party this year! Kids parties here on the island are a bit differnet and we were'nt ready to commit to everything involved. First of all - at birthday parties aren't just for kids - parents come and stay the whole time. Which would be great, but the parents here are used to having the hosts provide alcohol at the kids party! A lady at the branch was telling me they couldn't afford to have a party for her son and I was so confused because I knew she could afford a cake (she brought one to church for him) and I figured what else do you need? But that was before I knew she would have to have an open bar for all her non-member family and friends (her hubby is not a member as well). Anyways long story long - we decided to have a bonfire on the beach for Dekker and invite his little friend Dafka and her family. His birthday was a school holiday so we got up and opened presents first thing before Kyle left for work and then we spent the day at the pool and preparing for the beach.
Once we got to the beach Kyle built a great fire and we roasted hot dogs. Completely normal for us - but my friend Joelle had never heard of cooking hot dogs on the fire - the horror! Luckily her hubby had done it before so she didn't think we were crazy. We also had smores and a Spiderman birthday cake! Sidenote - Dekkers favorite food right now is hot dogs and he didn't like the marshmallows cooked - he ate them "raw". It was a really lovely night out under the stars right on the beach with the fire blazing. We couldn't believe we'd been here almost 4 months and hadn't done this yet!
Dekker first and formost is a goof - I have a million pictures of him pulling crazy faces. He loves nothing more than to get someone to laugh at him. He has a great smile. Dekker comes into our room every morning carrying his shirt, shorts and undies - he is so excited to get dressed for the day. He loves being a BIG BOY and will always correct me if I call him my little boy. When he grows up he wants to be "a pirate and then a Dada". He is an amazing swimmer and loves to brag to people that he can swim under the water - he can swim in the deep end easily now. He loves riding his bike, playing swords, playing cars, playing with his sister, being mommy's helper in the kitchen, and playing with his superhero figurines. He's a bit shy with strangers. He loves to play fight. He definitly has some ladies wrapped around his finger and I've had quite a few moms tell me he should be a child model. He is so fun to be around and I love everything about him!
here is one of the many crazy faces!
watching a movie while waiting for the rain to go away so we can swim!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BIG BOY!
