NINE!!!!

Nine years ago, my Lego loving, Super Mario playing, mathematical wiz was born on August 8, 2004 at 8:28 PM, weighing 8 lbs. 8 oz.

In the past year, he has definitely become more independent - he loves riding his bike around the neighborhood and hanging out with his friends.  He continues to impress me with his math skills, and he likes reading biographies (currently he is reading about Ronald Reagan).  Collin still enjoys the piano and received a Super Mario piano book that he is very excited about from Auntie Karen and Uncle Mark for his birthday.  This is the beginning of his last year in single digits; at the risk of sounding cliche, I have no idea where the time went!

Here is a glimpse at Collin's day:

Collin requested breakfast at Lina's.  He ate his favorite Oreo pancakes and nine strips of bacon (he doesn't usually eat that much bacon).

The waitress questioned his order of NINE pieces of bacon, so I mentioned that it is okay today because it is his birthday.  Well, you know what happens when a waitress finds out it is your birthday...

Yes, she brought him a piece of cake and sang happy birthday to him.  AND, YES he ate his cake at 9:30ish in the morning!  That is Kate's little finger pointing to the cake; she couldn't wait to get some for herself.

Collin chose hamburgers and corn on the cob for his special birthday dinner.  He requested brownie sundaes instead of cake for dessert.  Papa, Grandma M, Grandma Susan, Grandpa Jim, and Great Grandma came over to celebrate with us.

Collin is one lucky kid with lots of nice new presents to enjoy.

We gave him the Nintendo 3DS.

He also received games, books, building sets, and some very nice clothes!

I added a few details to his room as part of his birthday present, so now he can go to sleep and wake up (and maybe dream about) his favorite video games.

I think he had a really nice day!

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday, Collin!  We love you so much!