Charles is 9!!!

I cannot believe that I have a 9 year old son! Charles had his birthday about a week ago and it was fabulous! He has been begging me to take him bowling forever and when his birthday rolled around, his dream came true! He had a bowling party!

Charles invited some friends from scouts and cousins. He even made sure that Maryn had some friends to bowl with. He's very thoughtful that way.

We were so lucky to have 2 sets of grandparents there. Grandma and Grandpa Greathouse traveled down from Idaho for the first time since both of their surgeries earlier this year. Also, Grandma and Grandpa English drove down to celebrate with us! It made the day so much more special.

Charles was thrilled to bowl with his buddies! They really had a fun time together! They all bowled for an hour and then they had pizza, cake and ice cream. After all that, he got to open gifts. Almost every gift was cash or had cash in it! You should have seen his face! He got $85!

It was a wonderful party. We had our own party hostess that took care of everything and made it so easy! She had everyone sign a real bowling pin as a memento for Charles.

On the way out, Charles and his buddy bought themselves mustaches from a "gum ball" machine. It was so funny, I had to post this picture!

Charles is such a huge blessing in our family! His calm spirit and sweet obedience, make him a joy to have! He is a beautiful boy inside and out in every way. He has a gentleness, kindness, and generosity that few boys his age possess. He is also such a wonderful athlete and scholar. He sets such an example for Maryn. We all love him so much!! I don't talk about him often because I can't stand bragging, but this is his birthday post and I want to tell how awesome he is!