Happy Birthday Cole!

Cole turned four today, but it has been a multi-day celebration. It started with his birthday party at preschool Friday, since they don't have school this week. He requested a Dairy Queen cake for snack, and our local DQ came up with a great Scooby Doo cake. The preschoolers loved it, as did Liam, who's had leftovers a few times.

Yesterday, we had his official birthday party, again with a Scooby Doo theme. His cousins and some friends came over, as well as Grandpa & Grandma Engelhardt. The kids had fun hunting for Scooby Snacks (Milk Bones), opening presents and eating cake and ice cream. Cole did an awesome job blowing out the candles - all four with one puff from halfway across the table.

Today, he and Jeff went to Godfather's for "lunch with the guys", some of Jeff's former coworkers at Gustavus. To top it off, he received birthday wishes by phone from Grandpa & Grandma Beecher, who told him they like Star Wars Legos, too, which apparently made his day.

Mini-Mitey Bulldogs

Liam has played hockey for the past two seasons, and this year, Cole has joined in. I must say, hockey practice is very enjoyable. Jeff & I get the boys ready and then all three head out to the ice. I go sit in the stands and knit. Yay me!

Liam seems much faster this year, which is fun to watch. I was a little concerned since he barely skated at all this summer, but his stride is longer and smoother.

Cole has spent much of the eight practices thus far practicing standing still, but he does get places, albeit slowly. I was very proud of him today, though, because he is now able to get up all by himself, and quickly. He was very proud of himself and even more happy that Grandpa & Grandma Engelhardt were there to see him.