The Big Day!!!!

After celebrating pretty much all weekend, Land's big day finally arrived. He loves these white meringue cookies that he refers to as "Land Puffs" so I surprised him first thing Tuesday morning with them. I made them after he went to bed on Monday night so he had no idea that they were waiting for him when he woke up. I know you are not supposed to have cookies for breakfast but since it was his birthday I made an exception!!! This picture shows all that were left by Tuesday night!!

As always, the birthday boy (or girl) at our house gets to plan the whole menu for their big day! So for Land the dining room was transformed into an Italian Bistro!! Here is the Chocolate Layer Cake he requested for dessert. I had to run home after school on Monday to bake this because of course he wanted fudgy homemade frosting!!

These little bread sticks are in the pewter cup that Land was given when we brought him home. All of our children have one of these with their name engraved on it. They are so very special to us and it was the perfect compliment to our table. Clara Beth could not stop eating these!!!!

This Chocolate Raspberry Cake was a special little surprise from Anna Kayla. Land can NEVER have too much chocolate cake!!! It was the perfect size for him.

Here is his favorite meal....................Baked Ziti covered with melted Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese, warm garlic bread, and a salad with homemade Creamy Italian Dressing!! YUM!!

Here is the birthday boy feeling quite full after several helpings of the Ziti!!! During our meal we all took turns telling special or funny stories about Land. We had such a great time remembering different things he had done over the years. We all laughed and laughed, that boy has given us a lot of material to work with over the years!!!

With help form our resident Barista(Anna Kayla worked in a coffee shop while in college) we set up a coffee bar for Land because he absolutely loves coffee. We had flavored syrups, creamers and sugar to make it extra special.

Getting ready for the coffee!!!

Here is Anna Kayla surprising Land with the Chocolate Raspberry Cake as we all sang "Happy Birthday"!! He was very surprised!!! It was a great compliment to his Chocolate Mint Coffee!! I told you he could never have enough chocolate(much like his mom)!!

A happy onlooker hoping for some delicious cake!!!!

Land decided to dive in like he did on his very first birthday, face first!!!

Mr. Chocolate Face!!

Then it was present time!!

After dinner we were entertained with a concert. Land played his trumpet and was accompanied by Emanuiel playing a Lincoln Log and...........................

Clara Beth tooting a Tinker Toy!!! All in all it was a wonderful evening spent with the ones I love!! I can't believe my Land is twelve years old!! He has brought such laughter and joy into our lives(along with some hair raising moments) and I wouldn't trade a second of it for anything!!!

For him I am forever thankful!!!!!! My heart's desire is to help him become the man that God would have him to be.

The steps of the Godly are directed by the Lord,
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will not fall
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Psalm 37:23-24

I pray that my son will follow in His steps today and always.

Until next time....................

Robin