Sweet at Six
Brady turned SIX on Saturday. Where has the time gone?! 
As you may remember, we started a new tradition last year of allowing the kids to choose a special outing for their birthdays instead of a gift. Because there are a few of us and usually a newborn, big family activities are few and far between. Last year, Andy chose bowling and Brady chose ice skating. This year, Connor wanted a campfire (which got rained out,) and Andy chose a “man-date” with Dad to Bass Pro Shops.
So, I knew Brady had been thinking long and hard about what he wanted to do for his big day.
His initial ideas were no-goes: rock climbing (no where around here, plus he’s too small,) laser tag (not enough of us to make a whole party,) go-carts (it was January… no tracks open in our area!)
About a week before his birthday, he got all excited and said, “Mom, I know what I want to do for my birthday.”
I couldn’t wait to hear.
“I want to go to McDonald’s. Could I get a Happy Meal?”
I tried not to smile too big. “Yes, Buddy. If that’s what you want, you could certainly get a Happy Meal.”
“Could you ask Daddy if we could go inside?” When there are 6 kids in 6 carseats, sometimes the drive-thru is a much quicker, easier option.
“Sure. I think we could do that.”
Because his birthday was on a Saturday, I knew Nate would likely have to work. (Saturdays are busy days at the airport.) So I warned, “We’ll have to see what Daddy’s work schedule is like. We may have to go on Sunday… Or maybe just the two of us could go alone.”
His eyes danced a bit. “Just me and you?!”
I refrained from giving him a grammar lecture. “Yes. We’ll see. We could probably all go, though.”
“No! I want to go with just you!” I wasn’t sure if he was being selfish or not, but my heart was melting a bit.
It ended up being just the two of us, though we could have gone as a party of eight. He genuinely wanted the alone time. I did not want to miss it, either. Ten years from now, when he’s 16, he’ll likely be mortified that a McD’s date with Mom was all he wanted for his sixth birthday. I, however, will cherish it.
I let him pick whatever he wanted for his dinner. He chose wisely: a cheeseburger Happy Meal with apple dippers and chocolate milk… and an Oreo McFlurry for dessert. He even gave me a bite. I shared my fries with him.
He was thrilled to get to pick out the table. He chose a high-top with just three seats (something we can’t do when we’re ALL together.) It was a pretty big deal.
I also surprised him with a trip to the library, where he got his very own library card… another big deal.
Happy Birthday, Brady Boy!
I think you’re a big deal, too. Thank you for my date. I had a lovely evening. 
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:41 pm
It’s great to get to spend some one-on-one time, and so rare with a house full of kids
I remember the day I spent an afternoon there with my youngest son. (I think he was 7 or so at the time). While I was sitting reading a book and he was playing on the equipment, the manager came in with a bag of fries and said “would you like some extra fries?”. I asked what was up, and she replied “Nothing…just, when we saw your van in the driveway, we dropped fries like we always do. It’s so rare for you to come in with just one. So, now we have extra!”
I think my 15 passenger van pulls through that drive through all too often …
Glad Brady had a good time!
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Happy 6th Birthday Brady!
Love you,
Nana & Poppy
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Get the tissues for me~ I just could not help myself from shedding a couple of tears~ That was a sweet story~~
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:35 pm
You’re right, Christa. Things change as they grow. So enjoy every minute. I am so glad that you are writing about these moments. You are printing them, aren’t you?