Mason turns 9 and Grandma and Grandpa come to visit!

Mason got an extra long birthday celebration this year. We decided to have his party a week early in hopes of having warmer weather since he requested a pool party at the Williamson's again this year. And he wanted practically the same cake as last year. I think I've made this one for Mason four times now and am becoming a pro!

The weather was warmed a week earlier and Mason and his buddies had a great time playing in the pool for an hour, then having pizza and cake. They are a really fun bunch of boys and I'm so glad Mason has such good friends.

Playing the fun drone game Lincoln gave Mason.

My parents had airline miles they needed to use so they decided to come visit us over Mason's real birthday weekend! It was so much fun to have them here and I'm so glad they came! They arrived on a Saturday so we let Mason choose where we ate lunch. He was thrilled to be able to eat at Biscuit's Cafe.

We decided to have a picnic and go kayaking on the Tualatin River that evening. Our friend Eric Evans let us borrow his kayaks and his truck to help haul them a couple of miles up the river from his house. The drop in point Eric recommended was much trickier than we expected and the ride took longer, but it was a beautiful evening and a fun adventure. Mom and Dad were really good sports!

Sunday: Waffles, church, bbq, Mom helping me decorate for Mason's actual birthday, opening one present, and birthday cake #2 (a homemade Oreo ice cream cake).

Mason's actual birthday was on Monday so he had to go to school. He got waffles for breakfast and had time to open the rest of his presents before he left. 

In the evening, we all went to Stella Olsen Park and Alan, Spencer, and I played an exhausting game of tag on the playground. It was another beautiful evening and really fun way to end Mason's celebration.

Thanks for coming Mom and Dad! You made Mason's birthday extra special and we loved spending time with you!

Mason at 9:

Likes: Minecraft, Legos, video games, playing with friends, playing outside, playing anything with water, arcades, reading, drawing, chocolate cake, biscuits, soda bread

Dislikes: combing his hair, chores, wearing pants, his braces and roller bar, beans.

Mason has really gotten into drawing and making up stories the last few months. He is super creative and comes up with some pretty crazy, funny ideas. School isn't is favorite thing in the world, but he is doing very well except for sometimes talking too much to his friends. Mason makes friends easily and plays with lots of different kids at recess. (He wanted me to list these current friends: Krew, Lincoln, Griffin, James, Allen, Luke D, Luke L and F, Gannon, Koi, Ashton, Caedon, and Winston.)

We love having this awesome kid in our family! He brings us so much joy.