A Birthday

Shaun took a half a day off on his birthday so he could stay home with Willem while I went to a Mother's Day event at Nels's school. We finished up early, so Shaun ended up taking both boys out to lunch at the Puffin Cafe. It's a fun place, but they have the slowest service in the world. Every time we go we vow never to return, and then, somehow, Willem talks us into it.

These pictures are going to give you the wrong idea about our spring weather this year. It's been gloomy, but this day was glorious.

No, he's never seen a Jim Carrey movie.

Back at the ranch, Shaun's folks joined us for a birthday dinner. There was eating of chips and hanging out on the deck.

Willem scored a pirate ring at the restaurant. He wore it for the rest of the week.

Chatting with Grandpa.

We're overdue for a cat picture on this blog. She's 11 years old and as pretty as ever.

Dinner!

Shaun's mom brought beans and homemade rolls. I made Sweet and Smoky Oven Spareribs and Corn, Avocado, and Tomato Salad.

For dessert we had ice cream sundaes. I tried this hot fudge recipe, which was a hit. It's really easy to make, which is an important quality in a recipe for me. When I cook for company, I am very scatterbrained and easily distracted, so the simpler it is, the less likely I am to mess it up. Some of the reviewers thought it was too sweet, so I used 70% Lindt chocolate. I thought it turned out just right.

May 4 wasn't just Shaun's birthday--it was also my brother-in-law Cliff's birthday! Same day, same year. My sister and I are three years apart, and our husbands were born right smack dab in the middle. (She's younger than hers, I'm older than mine.) They are both excellent men. May 4 is a happy day.