In the morning our newest seven year old woke up and opened his presents while FaceTiming with Abe in Singapore. He was very excited about his new Lego sets.
Then I went to the grocery store and picked up my mom for breakfast. Casey and Cora joined us for breakfast in the morning, which made Ammon soooo happy. Ammon opened his present from Nana, which he LOVED. She gave him a knight costume to go with some of his medieval stuff he got in France.
After breakfast I worked out, showered, dropped my mom back off, and then drove everyone to SLC to see The Lion King. Ammon didn’t want to get in the car and leave his Legos behind, but once the play started he realized it was amazing and he was thrilled. We were all wowed by the the show!
After the show we got in the car and drove to Olive Garden. They have little screens on the tables that Ammon had been wanting to play with ever since we went there last. He was so happy to be able to have the screen all to himself.
After we walked to Cold Stone for ice cream. It was a little chilly but everyone was so happy.
After dinner and ice cream, we came home and Ammon played with his legos until 10:30 pm. Mary and I walked Basil together and it was delightful to be able to spend one on one time with her. She wanted to talk about Prop 2, favorite animals, places we’ve been, and how babies are made.
And here is Ammon recounting the events of his birthday:
After I tucked the kids all in, Abe and I chatted on the phone for a while. I was excited for him to go out and explore Singapore, but it was also nice to talk. I miss you, Abe!!
Lastly, Ammon is now seven. I can’t believe how the time has flown! I can still so clearly remember him as a baby, drooling all over his bibs and waving hi to every single person in the grocery store. He has always adored people, and at seven he loves them as much as ever. He loves talking to strangers especially, and he is constantly charming them with his friendly overtures.
He is incredibly affectionate, fearless, and exuberant. He loves landmarks, math, meeting challenges, singing, dancing, talking to strangers, playing with Legos, coloring, traveling, playing imagination games with his sisters and friends, snuggling in his shark blanket, and getting back “scratchies” before bed and whenever else he can convince us to give them to him. Lately he loves it when I tell him stories from when he was a baby.
Abe and I both love dropping him off at school because he gets excited every single day by the sight of his friends and teachers and can barely contain himself when he sees either. He practically falls out of the car calling, “Hi Tessa!! Hi Mrs. Blake!!” and running to catch up with them.
We love you, Ammon!! Happy happy birthday, Mr. Man!!
Here is a quick addition from Abe:
Happy Birthday Ammon! I love your joy, love, warmth, gregariousness, and giving heart. I’m so glad you had a good birthday and I’m sorry I missed it! While you were celebrating your birthday, I was working hard in my hotel room getting caught up on work. But I also found some time to explore Singapore in the evening. Here are some pictures and videos from my day:
I’ve been eating a lot of my meals at a large food market right next to my hotel. In the evening they shut down a road next to it, and lot’s of pop-up food shops open up and there are tables and chairs in the street for people to gather and eat. It’s quite the scene!
Also, today I got to explore Merlion park. The Merlion is mascot of Singapore and this is a famous fountain.
Later in the evening, I made it back to the bay and watched an incredible light show.
The bay is absolutely gorgeous and its stunning at night when it is all lit up.
