Birthmonth

Anyone who knows Ryan well has probably experienced birthmonth. That's right: birthmonth, not birthday. Much to his mother's relief, Ryan's birth did not take an entire month, but he likes to pretend it did. I don't exactly remember when he started this tradition. I must admit it's not as self-indulgent as it sounds. He simply wants to celebrate with many friends, and he wants the celebration to be as convenient as possible for those involved. So he (and sometimes we) plan several activities during birthmonth, and whoever can attend joins us. In one month the events might include:

• racing go-carts
• golf
• a friendly poker game
• a trip to Macau
• playing pool 
• Settlers night
• general games night
• going to dinner
• watching football
• having a barbeque
• watching a movie

Come to one, some, or all events! The only rule? No gifts. 

This is one of my favorite pictures of Ryan....about to
blow out his candle at a Mexican restaurant last year. 

This child-like giddiness for his birthmonth is something very endearing to me about my husband. This year the only thing Ryan requested was tickets to The Hobbit in IMAX 3-D. You'd think I could have gotten this one thing right, but alas, I forgot the IMAX part. Oh well, I did buy tickets for the movie in 3-D. Here we are below sporting our awesome glasses.