9/1/04: Happy Birthday, Grandma Vera

The 2nd was Grandma Vera's birthday. We knew she would be out of the house on the 1st taking care of stray kitties; she cleans their cages and such every other Wednesday. I sat down with the boys and told them we were going to surprise her, and asked them what we should do; this was the week before. Tom's first idea was to clean the house for her--I was very impressed he came up with that on his own. We made her an orange cat named Cinnamon at the Build a Bear workshop, and recorded the kids each saying Happy Birthday Grandma Vera, one after the other. When you press his arm, you hear that. We put him on her recliner with another present (The 911 Commission report). Then when she left the house we cleaned and got a cake and put 78 candles on it! We hid and shouted surprise when she came in. The kids were hysterical with excitement; it was very fun. We didn't get all 78 candles lit, as wax was dripping up a storm. Note: If you try this, get at least 3 people to help light all at once!






Uncle Jeff came on Sunday as well. His dogs are always a big hit:
Brewster

and Trevor:

Jeff drives them down from NYC strapped into his convertible. That is a sight to see! The kids like convertible rides, too.