SATURDAY MORNING OUR NEPHEW’S WIFE texted to ask if my husband and I could come at noon, instead of 3 p.m., for her son’s birthday party.
There was no question. We would be there. At noon. Never mind that we were deep in a basement project. That could wait. The basement wasn’t going anywhere. This party was way more important.
Landon opens gifts while his grandparents, left and right, and great uncle (my husband), middle, watch and visit.
Landon would turn two only once. And we wanted to be there to celebrate with his parents and brother, who recently moved back to Minnesota from Salt Lake City, and other extended family.
Landon loves his grandma’s pickles and wanted some for his birthday. He got two jars. But there was no sharing. I can vouch for the deliciousness of these pickles, though, as my husband received a jar for his birthday. Did you notice the one sock off, one on?
Our nephew’s family lives on a rural acreage near our Faribault home. For the first time ever, we have family living close by and we are thrilled. Already in the past five months, we have seen my husband’s sister and her husband (Landon’s paternal grandparents) more than we do in an entire year as they’ve driven down to visit their son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
There’s such joy in watching a two-year-old open his gifts.
Family is important to us. And, in this crazy busy world, we will always find time for family gatherings like a two-year-old’s birthday party.
How about you?
BONUS PHOTOS:
Landon had a lot of fun sticking candles into his cake.
His mom removed all but two of the candles and lit them.
Then Landon worked on blowing out those two candles.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Glad for you that you have family nearby
It always feels like an honor to be invited to my friend’s kids birthday parties
(I’ve attended one for a one year old, and one for their 2nd birthday)
Those friends sound dear.
They really are
What a beautiful story. I believe that here on this earth, family is everything. I love the gift of pickles and Landon’s cake is my favourite!
I agree with your opinion of family. I miss my kids every single day.
I’m envious and so happy for you Audrey. It’s a wonderful thing when family can gather for celebrations and events. I especially loved the part where you dropped your busy work when the birthday plans changed up a bit. Those kids are fortunate… and they will likely carry on the tradition of the importance of family and getting together. Oh, and I LOVE that simple angel food cake (I hope that’s what it is!). I have heard of elaborate theme cakes that cost more than $100! Have I been wearing blinders?? Who does that?
You’re right. That’s angel food cake. It was served with fresh strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. And the sweet topping was whipped cream, freshly whipped. Delicious.
I don’t know anyone who would purchase a $100 theme cake. I always made my kids animal-shaped (or other shaped) chocolate cakes when they were little. Then, when they grew older, they chose a cake or whatever dessert they wanted. The only year a cake was purchased was the year I gave birth to my son and my daughter turned six the next day. My husband picked up a cake and we celebrated in a hospital visiting room.
What a sweet boy! Yes, we make time for family, too. I wouldn’t miss my kids’ or my granddaughter’s special moments for anything. My siblings, much older than I am, are scattered and I seldom see them. But my immediate family is close. Make time. There’s no way of knowing when we’ll see each other again.
Wise words. I love that you have your immediate family near you. I wish for that, too, but it’s unlikely to ever be. There are days when my heart almost hurts for missing my kids, especially the two who live in eastern Wisconsin and Boston and whom I see only a few times a year.
I understand that. I would be very sad if my kids moved away, and it’s always a possibility.
A John Deere t-shirt? Good to see the boy is being raised right. 🙂
Grandma is all excited because we will be traveling to Michigan at the end of the month to celebrate a first birthday.
I was waiting for someone to notice the John Deere shirt. Good eye.
Is Grandpa excited too?
Yeah, it will be good to see the little peanut. 🙂
Ah…
Adorable! Wish we had been there. Wish I had some of Cheryl’s pickles! They ARE good!
It was just a small group, but you would have enjoyed. Cheryl’s pickles are mighty tasty.
Such fun. I always envy those that have family close by. After my kids grew up they flew the nest just as I did. Funny how when we’re young we don’t see the importance of family. What they do for us and ves versa.
A number of years ago we had two couples that were good friends. In fact we called them our adopted kids. Each had a baby just weeks apart. For about a year and a half we watched these babies grow, celebrate their first birthday, recognize each other. What fun. Then they moved on. Needless to say I had a terrible time when they left. Still stay in touch but it isn’t the same.
Yes, it is nice to have family near us like this for the first time. I, too, have always been a bit envious of those with their children nearby. I recently listened to a friend complain about her three children and their families living “so far away.” They live within 45 minutes of her home. Really? That is not “far away.”
So nice to hear you had those dear friends nearby for awhile.
We are friends with several young families from our church and so enjoy their children, too.
One Handsome Wee Dude – Great Captures 🙂
I reflect on my nephews when there were little now that they are grown adults – one turned 18 in December and the other 21 in January. Where does the time go?!?
Happy Day!
Indeed, where does time go? More and more I ask myself that question.
And, yes, Landon is a cutie.
Life is moving way too fast as well as too short, so have to CONQUER TODAY Each and Every Day 🙂
Excellent advice. I always appreciate your enthusiasm and focus on savoring the moment.
🙂 🙂 🙂
Happy Birthday to such a cute little man. They grow so fast.
They sure do. And Landon certainly is a cutie. I agree.
I am thrilled for you! Our family is pretty much local and the reason our winters will only partially be spent away from them!!!!!!! What a cutie!!!!! I love such b’day parties!!!!
There’s something about a kid and a birthday and presents and cake that brings joy.
Yes….innocent joy!!!!!
What an adorable little guy, no wonder you made a special effort to celebrate with him and his parents. We have a close family like that too. I love my Great nieces and I’m so excited to have a new Grand nephew in July 🙂 I love the last photo of Landon blowing out his candle, such a sweet face 🙂
I knew you would really relate to this post, Jackie.
Cute little fellow….Those are special moments and so glad you could share in them.
We were quite happy to be there celebrating with our great nephew and his family.
Sweet boy! And we do Angel food cake here for birthdays too!
My husband’s favorite cake.