We recently concluded our 5-week birthday run for four out of six of the people in our family. Vivian’s birthday is first, followed exactly one week later by William’s, followed exactly four weeks later by Lillian’s (all on Thursdays this year). Dan’s birthday is squeezed in between William’s and Lillian’s. This year, William and Dan had *big* birthdays – William turned 5 (one whole hand!) and Dan turned 40. We had low key festivities and simply celebrated with balloons, a few presents, and cake and candles. We skipped parties this year (I’m honestly still recovering from all the parties last year) and instead took the kids see The Lion King at Hollywood Pantages Theater and then on an overnight trip to Disneyland and California Adventure in mid-May after all the birthdays were over (see blog post on that mini-vacation).
Vivian Turned 9
Last year, William’s birthday fell while we were on vacation and this year, Vivian’s did. She awoke on the morning of her birthday to a few balloons and presents. She was celebrated at kids club. And then when we got back to California, we celebrated her more with presents, cake, and candles.
At 9, Vivian is so smart, an avid reader, and very helpful. She is organized, discerning, and joyful. She loves snuggles, reading, writing, friends, school, gymnastics, Girl Scouts, traveling, hiking, camping, skiing, choir, listening to music, and art. She is me and I am her.
Also at 9, we are halfway through her years at home with us full time. For some reason, that milestone never occurred to me until her birthday. And then it was like a punch in the gut. These past nine years have flown by and I know the next nine will seem to go by twice as fast. Ultimately, we are so lucky to be raising such an incredible person – it’s truly the pleasure of our lives.
William Turned 5
William got to celebrate his 5th birthday at preschool and at home. He chose a Red Velvet Cake Roll for his birthday cake. At 5 years old, he is a big snuggler, very interested in how things work (future engineer?), playful, and, of course, energetic. He’s still an early riser, but when he wakes now, he simply slips into our bed and snuggles me (Dan always leaves for work early before anyone wakes up). He loves gardening, baking, swimming, gymnastics, and soccer. Shortly after turning 5, he started riding his bike without training wheels. He is my sweet little puppy dog and makes me so grateful to have had a son.
Dan Turned 40
Dan finally turned 40 this year! I say “finally” because it seems like nearly everyone else we know turned 40 years ago! We celebrated him with birthday notes, balloons, a few gifts, and a delicious midnight chocolate cake.
At 40, Dan is dedicated to his family and his work. He’s the fun, patient, playful parent. He snuggles William and Lillian every night at bedtime. He tries hard to make us all happy. He enjoys snowboarding, hiking, camping, watching movies, playing poker, and traveling. We all love him so much and are glad that he tolerates all of our “eccentricities” (i.e., craziness).
Although I took him out to two “fancy” dinners on and around his birthday (Taco Maria and The Drake in Laguna), I also stretched his celebrations into the following month with an overnight parents-only trip to The Lodge at Torrey Pines. My Mom was in town, so she watched the kids while we slipped away. We were able to squeeze in pool/hot tub time, drinks, a few hours at the spa, a nice dinner, peaceful sleep, a nice breakfast and lunch, and a 5+ mile hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve before returning to the kids.
Lillian Turned 7
Our Sweet Lilly Belle wrapped up our family springtime birthday celebrations. Like the others before her, we celebrated her with balloons, gifts, and cake – for her, an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins. At 7, Lillian is sweet and sassy, sometimes 7 going on 17 and sometimes 7 going on 3. She has a pure heart of gold and feels deeply. She has no fear of new situations or people and easily makes new friends. Lillian loves tickles on her back, playing with William, snuggles, her left thumb (still), gymnastics, swimming, horseback riding, country music, reading, school, friends, Girl Scouts, traveling, hiking, camping, and skiing. She is the cutest little cutie cute cute cute cute.
Another year of birthdays done. Our celebrations weren’t over the top this year, but I think everyone felt loved and special.
The Chambers Family - A.D. 
Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to all of you! Great descriptions of each personality.