Eric's birthday celebration

On March 29th, we had our 2nd in-quarantine birthday celebrations... Eric turned 53 and is wearing his new age beautifully!

I'm fairly certain that a quarantined birthday is Eric's ideal way to spend his special day. When you're an introvert and are required to stay home away and have a quiet day, what could be better?? 😋

Eric's birthday, just like Conor's the day before, was spent at home relaxing, playing games, and generally hanging out. Eric's big birthday present this year was a VR game set, which has come in REALLY handy as a source of entertainment during our confinement. Thank goodness he had the foresight to order it as the quarantine was knocking on the door and got it before the doors were bolted shut!

For his birthday dinner, Eric requested burgers from Five Guys (Plan B because Red Mill is closed due to the quarantine) and boy, did THAT turn into a bit of an experience. We ordered the food online and set up curbside pickup. Easy, right? Oh no! I called from the parking lot upon arrival and told the person where I was parked... EXACTLY where I was parked. The person said someone would be right out with our food. 20 minutes later, still no food. SO, I went inside and asked about the status of the order. Apparently the employee who took the food out found another Toyota that happened to be unlocked (who leaves their car unlocked???) and put our food in it, thinking it was OUR Toyota. (Bonus for those people) Umm... nope! They wound up re-making our food and throwing in a couple of shakes as a way to apologize for the inconvenience (the kids were thrilled).

We finished up the day with presents and pumpkin cake. All-in-all, a good day celebrating one of our favorite people. 💗

Eric being mobbed by the kids while singing Happy Birthday

Pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting

Eric's Birthday ... Again!

We have a tendency ... and I kind of think it is a darned fine one ... to celebrate each person's birthday more than once. For example, we celebrated the March boys' birthdays when we were in Kennewick in March, celebrated Eric and Conor's birthdays on their actual birthdays, had Conor's friends shin-dig last weekend, and celebrated Eric's birthday (again) at my brother and sister-in-law's house yesterday. Seriously, does it get any better? We've turned having a birthday into something akin to a sports season!

We couldn't have asked for a better day! The sun was out and the temperature hovered right around 70 degrees. We (ok, Troy) grilled flank steak for dinner (YUM), Staci served homemade bread (YUM) and salad, and we brought homemade grashopper ice cream pie (disclaimer: no grasshoppers were harmed during the making of the pie) and molasses cookies for dessert.

Troy and his family gave Eric a REALLY neat present. They had a professional frame created that pictures from the first football game at UW's Husky stadium and the last win at the stadium (Eric and his dad attended that game together) prior to its demolition last fall. Also included in the frame were the tickets used by Eric and his dad at the game. Truly a neat keepsake that will find a place of honor in our home.

Annika and Ian having a little water fun in the hot tub

This girl loves the water

Staco amd Troy being entertained by the kids

Ian's rashguard filled with air made him turn into Super Ian, muscles and all

Annika sporting some stylin' turtle goggles

Eric and Annika having fun on the big toy

Eric and Conor being silly

Annika and Conor going tandam down the slide

Wheee!

Staci and Troy being goofy

What evening would be complete without a sippy cup-toting keyboardist?

Annika and Kat chilling out together

Happy birthday, Eric!

The Olsons have a tendency of clumping birthdays. March is one of those times when the trend is really evident. Sunday was Eric's dad's birthday, yesterday was Conor's birthday (as well as Eric's parents' anniversary), and today is Eric's birthday! (and that's just the Olson side of the family... one of my brothers and one of our nephews also have March birthdays!)

We'll have a fairly low-key celebration planned for tonight...once we all get home, that is. Dinner (chicken and mashed potatoes), followed by presents and the Pioneer Woman's doughnut muffins for dessert. There was a bigger Olson family celebration for all three birthday boys when we were in Kennewick recently, so tonight will be just the four of us.

The kids are mighty excited to have another birthday to celebrate today, although, Conor is a bit miffed it isn't HIS birthday again. :)

Here's to the world's greatest 45-year-old! We love you and hope you have a "splendiferous" birthday! :)

Eric with the shirt his parents gave to him for his b-day