Michael's 4th Birthday

Happy Birthday!

Michael's birthday landed on the day after arriving in Alaska. We did prepare ahead of time for a birthday with presents aboard in the event that we might still be out on the water. With life on a boat, plans & directions can change at a moments notice. I had tried out a sourdough chocolate cake on the way north that was the first from scratch cake I'd made that turned out moist (other than crazy cake, but that one's hard to fail). We ate it for breakfast as I'd made it during a night watch hours before. I planned on making it again for his birthday but adding some chocolate chips to the dough & covering it with frosting.

We have started the tradition of spreading out presents throughout the day, instead of all at once. Our friends shared this idea with us & it really has worked well. It not only gives them time to enjoy & appreciate one before tearing open the next one, but it makes them feel like their birthday lasts longer. Upon waking up they quickly make their way to our bed where I have one or two stashed by our pillow. This generally gives Peter & I the opportunity to be the first to wish them "Happy Birthday" without having to get out of bed!

For a little guy of 4, now off the farm, he knows what money is. He'd been claiming any coins he'd found around the boat as his, didn't matter that his sister just dropped it or left it on the counter. After a couple days of this he held up a quarter & said, "Bob the Builder!" The plaza here has one child's ride toy, a bright yellow Bob the Builder bulldozer that sings the theme song. The boys shared two rides the day we arrived & know it's location now without fail no matter what door you enter the plaza from.

Michael received two $5 bills from his Nana & Papa (Peter's parents) in the mail. He was really excited too, waving them around with a big smile saying, "Me got money, yep, see?" Peter & I were sure that he'd want to spend them on race cars from his favorite movie Cars. Not so. He wanted candy. Peter walked him around the whole toy section of Walmart & he still shook his head, "Me want candy." So he came back with most of his money & one box of Bottle Caps. Took him awhile before he wanted to share one with everyone, then halfway through he divided the rest with Gabe, his best friend. It was cute seeing them perched up in the pilot house discussing the merits or disadvantages of each flavor.

Gabe trying to push & rock it started again.

Meeting the girls, Samantha, Zoe & Kayce, from a neighboring sailboat we learned about rollerskating up at the recreation center. Being new in town, it was great having guides let us know of the coming events & where they were located. Everyone had a blast skating, the little boys even put on training skates and with help made their way around the gym a few times. It was a great way to end a little guy's birthday!

Best Friends