Happy Birthday Tony-52 or 53?

I teased Tony all week about being 53 until he finally clarified that he was 52 this year!  We celebrated 52 in style.  Tyler and Chelsea came with Kate and Owen and salvaged our mental state as well as Tony's birthday.  To be fair, it was mostly Owen who entertained us and raised our spirits tremendously.  He is a bundle of energy and hilarity. 

Because Beck's angel day was just a day before their visit, Tyler brought the rocket and launcher.  We had fun launching it and playing at the park.  We had dinner out with Tyler and Chelsea and played games while the girls dyed the dog purple.  On Saturday Tony and Tyler went mountain biking (without water, snacks or phones) and got good and lost.  We stayed home and did yoga.  We met Mom and Dad at the park for a picnic and shot the rocket again!  It was a little scarier this time because the rocket floated in the sky for a long time and got too close for comfort to the river. Tony ordered Popeyes chicken sandwiches and converted Tyler to them, despite Tyler's love of Chicfila.  We spent the evening talking and laughing at Owen's cleverness.  He expressed fear of a tiny spider because it had the potential to "crawl up his nose and control his brain."  He was also the self proclaimed Pickleball King.  Putting a picklball court in was really good money spent, if only to keep Owen happy. 

I was also glad to have Kate here, although it breaks my heart to see her struggle with depression.  I learn a lot from Tyler and Chelsea's approach to parenting.  Wilson came for Tony's birthday dinner (Magelbys) and they were all so kind to him.  Our last few visits with Wilson have been beautiful, but the fallout from the stress on the other kids is painful.  We need to make sure that they have more choice to feel safe.

On Monday, Tony took the day off.  He played pickleball all morning and then we went to breakfast with Max and Eliza.  It was a happy interaction with Max, so that was a good birthday present.  Tony worked in the yard and I made Salmon for dinner.  My best gift to him was not having to go to counseling with Sam, although he still had to go with me for Max, birthday or not.  He wanted birthday pie from Croshaws, but it was closed, so we did ice cream instead.  Tony is a happier person here.  He is the right temperature, doesn't have allergies, isn't exhausted all the time.  He likes the landscape and the chance to do hobbies he loves.  It is good for him that we are here.  And it is good for me to see him happy.