Andy's birthday

In our nine years of having kids, we have only ever had two birthday parties (the third coming up in a couple of weeks). We had one for Benny when he turned five and one for Andy when he turned seven this year. We are not anti-parties, though it may seem like it. Spencer and I decided a long time ago that we would have birthdays on odd birthdays. We do not feel like our kids need one every year and we liked the idea of odd years so that we can keep the 8th special with that being baptism year. What ended up happening is that we have skipped over all first birthdays. **NOTE — we always have a family birthday dinner with cake and presents.** Benny's first birthday was actually the day Spencer's youngest brother, Garrett, left for the MTC. Benny ate green beans for dinner while I was miserable on the couch with food poisoning and then Spencer shared some ice cream with Benny. We like to set the bar really low. 

This year Andy really wanted a party and kept asking about it. Actually, no real asking, but talking about it like it was going to happen. Spencer and I decided to make it happen. Very simply. 

Andy wanted four friends (one was not able to come) to come and watch “The LEGO Movie.” Easy enough. Oh, and cake and ice cream. He LOVED it!

Our group for the afternoon. One of the friends has a sister Lilia's age and we asked if she could stay, too. 

Andy, true to form, asked Grandma and Grandpa for a costume (that trend may have ended this year with him, actually). Luke Skywalker. And he's even got the haircut to match!

As soon alas he put his on Benny went to get in his Anikin Skywalker costume. These boys know more about Star Wars than I ever could have imagined. And I sill remember the first time I showed it to Benny. 

Anderson Clark is a mild-mannered boy who wants to do what is right. And wants everyone around him to do the right thing. One thing that impresses me so much about Andy is what he remembers. We talk about the gospel in our home regularly and he takes it all in! When we moved to Indiana, one of his new primary teachers (dear Kate Robertson who just moved away) told me that Andy always knew all the answers and that she was going to have to change the lessons around to make them a little more challenging for him! Something this mother loves to hear. 

Andy has always had a strong connection to his dad. It is so fun to see how excited Andy gets when Spencer gets home every day. I know he loves me — he shows me love — but the way this boy lights up for his dad is amazing. 

Happy Birthday, Andy! Seven looks good on you!