Happy Birthday Hank

On February 2nd, this little stud turned 7 years old.   It also marks my anniversary of becoming a mom.  This little kid changed my life forever and I am grateful every day to be his mother.  He has been looking forward to his birthday for the past 364 days!

Hank is an early riser and Sam made sure to wake up in time to see his big brother before school.

 He requested waffles for breakfast, and I had to include a few candles and serenade him with a Happy Birthday tune like only I can.

 Hank's favorite gift was his official Miami Heat uniform.  Whose #99 you ask....

 Oh, that would be Mr. Hank Griffin.  He also got a Shawn White jacket, earphones, and a Michael Vick action figure from Max.  Max was still sleeping when Hank left for school so he insisted on taking his present to Hank at school.  We also delivered sugar cookies for his birthday treat.

 I am a little surprised Hank kept his birthday crown on for the entire school day.

It just so happened that he had a Jr. Jazz game scheduled on his birthday.  He looks forward to these games all week long.  He couldn't wait to show off for his adoring fans.

He had quite the cheering section.  I was amazed at the amount of support.  Hank was thrilled. 

 Sam and Grandpa Curt had some quality bonding time.

 My camera doesn't take action shots very well but trust me, Hank was all over the court!  He certainly put on an amazing performance.  He scored 18 points, a dozen rebounds, and more hustle than all the other kids combined.  After the game I told him how proud I was of him and he said "I really tried my hardest". That is  one of the reasons I adore this little boy.  He always strives to do his best.  He is certain he has a future in the NBA.  With this kid, nothing would surprise me.

 We came back to the house and opened presents with the family.  Hank got so many awesome gifts from everyone.

 He picked out a Brian Urlacher cake.

I didn't realize I got trick candles for his cake.  He was about to pass out from blowing so hard!  Our celebrations weren't over yet.  I hosted a friend party the next day at our house.  My mom helped me set up all day and took care of Sam while Randy and I entertained 12 little boys.

We played a series of "minute to win it" style games.  They are sucking up m & m's here and transferring them to the green paper.

The boys are trying to keep the balloons off the floor for a minute here.  We also did cup stacking and throwing balls through a hula hoop.

Brett and Sarah let us borrow their double shot and it was the hit of the party.

After the boys had enough of the games they headed outside to play football in the 20 degree weather.

Here is the crew eating pizza.  Of course there was a fair amount of burping a farting and being gross little boys.

Despite all the grossness that comes with being a boy, they were very sweet and appreciative.  I heard a couple boys say it was the best birthday party they had ever been to.  

It's safe to say his friends know Hank well.  He got every sports ball you can imagine, NFL trading cards, a Shawn White wallet, and nerf guns.  I pulled a grandma Joanne and had all the kids tell Hank what they like about him before he opened their gifts.  They were so cute!  

Hopefully Hank had the best birthday ever.  He is such an amazing little boy.  I am so proud of him and love him so much.  Happy Birthday Hanksta!