Happy Birthday Deaven!!

10 years ago today (well, early this morning) Deaven entered the world as my first born and opened a portion of my heart I didn't know existed. Yes, he was slightly reluctant to come (we often laugh about him having to be vacuumed out of me) but once he got here he claimed his space in our family and with out him, we'd be lost.

Deaven's birthday is today, but he chose to head of to Oregon with one of his best friends to go camping for the weekend, so we decided to have his birthday party on Wednesday.
All his friends came over for a huge game of capture the flag, which turned into glow and dark war as the sun set.

(Muki, Joshua, Ahiram, Deav, Dalton, Chris, Korban, Forrest, Asa, Joseph)

Deaven is so blessed to have a huge group of GREAT kids, some from church, some from school, that all come from great families that share our same standards. You would think that having 10 - 10 years for 3 hours would be crazy, but all I said to Will when they left was, "We need to do this more often".
We played a few rounds of FACE THE COOKIE that Deaven is particularly good at. You have one minute to get an Oreo cookie from your forehead into your mouth only using your face muscles.
A birthday tradition............
Then on Thursday, we picked the kids up from school and went to AppleBee's to have dinner together and open a few family presents. Deaven was already wearing his "It's My Birthday" T-shirt a little prematurely. He'll get to wear that again today!!

This morning, I let Deaven play hookie from school for an extra hour since we don't get him after school or this evening. His favorite breakfast, a little toy time and it should be a good day. Yeah for 10!!!
Deaven,
You are an amazing kid. Your mind is open, your heart soft and your smile is contagious. You keep us laughing and learning and constantly amaze us with the tenderness of your spirit. You are such a great friend to so many and an incredible big brother. The girls are lucky to have you.
We couldn't be more proud of you and all that you have become in these short ten years. Please know that we will always have your back, and always be your biggest supporters (though that doesn't mean we will always say YES). Yet even more, the Lord loves you in ways we can't comprehend and wants to be part of your life if you invite Him in. He will stand by your side when we can't be there.

We love you man! You are the joy in our lives! Have an amazing birthday and another year of life!

Love,
Dad and Mom