12 on Holy Thursday

Declan Kolbe turned 12 years old on Holy Thursday this year, which was much better than the Good Friday birthdays he's had in the past!  

#6 turns #12

He woke up, told me he felt a little taller, and found some nice gifts from his siblings.  Siblings love to buy each other candy:

We stopped for donuts on the way to school, and Declan said he was "feeling a plain glazed donut" so that's what the birthday boy received.  On their birthday, the kids get to dress down at school, which is much appreciated by uniform wearers.  We gave Declan a new shirt of his favorite soccer player to wear, and he wanted to pose like Messi:

He served at Stations of the Cross at school:

And chose chicken parm for dinner, which Phil and I were happy to make:

Birthday tulips for me :)

Time for presents!  Gammy got Declan some cool soccer crocs...

...which we realized fit her feet as well!

We bought him an Owala water bottle that he wanted:

Then sent him on a scavenger hunt with 12 clues to find his big gift:

(Video courtesy of Maggie)

Cake time!  the birthday boy wanted a vanilla sheet cake with chocolate frosting, and what the birthday boy wants, the birthday boy gets!  Especially when he is the sweetest, most grateful, kindest little guy I know.

Xander was feeling sick and had to miss the party, but Declan still had some siblings to celebrate with in person and on facetime with his big brothers, who promised a gift is coming in the mail!

Nana and Gramps also sent a gift in the mail, a silver crucifix necklace that Declan was super excited to get.  The bonus was that Deacon Gramps blessed it already!  

Declan, we love you so much!  When we went around the table at dinner, each saying "one nice thing" about you as is our birthday tradition, we had to stop ourselves from saying ten things each.  You are a joy.  You have been the so easy and so adorable since you were born.  I would (and still could) stare at your cute face all day.  You share so nicely with all and are a great friend to your buddies, always putting others first.  You were thrilled to lose your last baby tooth so that you can get braces soon.  You love all things sports and outdoors, and we cannot get you to gain weight because you are always on the go!  You love to play catch with Dad and come on dog walks with us so you can talk our ears off without anyone else interrupting.  You are certainly a yapper at home, though those who don't have the privilege of knowing you think you are shy.  You are growing in confidence and getting less anxious as you do.  You have had to struggle with misophonia but I can see how hard you try to not react as you mature each year.  You love our faith and always try to do the right thing so you can get to Heaven one day.  You thank us a million times for any small gift or favor you receive, and are the first to jump up and help when we ask.  Declan means "full of goodness" and "man of prayer" and you were certainly named perfectly.  It is an honor to know you and grow you and we thank God for you everyday.  Happy birthday Declan Kolbe!!