Ryan is usually an optimistic type, so I think he was pleased with how his birthday was celebrated this year, in this new COVID reality. We all did our best to make him feel special.
Inexplicably, I decided to write his birthday message in Spanish. It sparked some language curiosity and conversation from the boys, so I was happy that I randomly wrote it this way.
We set up the driveway so my parents could sit for a few minutes and join parts of the celebration that could happen outdoors.
Dad taking pictures. He gets photo credit for some of [the best of] these shots.
Mom bundled under a blanket. It was a chilly mid-April day.
Our local first responders drove by our house for a birthday lights and sirens parade. They slowed and waved. Neighbors were coming out of their houses to see what was up. It was a fun diversion, and an inspiring show of community. Our township advertised this birthday service, and I arranged it without Ryan knowing. So he was surprised. I had a blast, standing with him on our lawn with Ryan, waving and smiling like a crazy person. Hopefully, that'll be a memorable experience for Ryan.
Big smiles, walking back to the party after the vehicles had passed.
Ryan opened some generous presents from family, near and far. He got LEGOS and a nemne from Grammy & Grampy, space-themed.
He asked for a German chocolate cake from Bit of Swiss, our local, delicious bakery.
Later, he opened presents from Nana & Lolo, and Aunts Mary, Sue, and Betty. Nana and Lolo connect via FaceTime to join the celebration.
Ryan's friend Lucas helped arrange a birthday Zoom/Google Meet video call with friends. Lucas also sent him a card.
Happy birthday, baby boy. My Ryan.
...and he cracks us up! My parents a picture of the LEGO moon landing set once it was assembled. Grammy asked for an object to placed near it for point of reference on size. Ryan quickly put together this photo, and wrote her back saying, "It's really big!!"
We are so proud of the all around awesome young man Ryan is becoming.
