A Birthday To Remember

"Your birthday it is.

Celebrate we must."

- Yoda

In the midst of a pandemic after being homebound for 54 days, these two Star Wars fans had an epic birthday party unlike any other. In someways it was far more simple...in other ways more complex. It was just our family (and Lola who had been quarantining with us for the past nearly 2 months), but we connected with friends and family throughout the day through Zoom who never would have been able to join us in person even on a normal year. It was strange yet special, and BOTH kids labeled it as "the best birthday ever."

In preparation for their big day, Zoë and Isaiah helped me make a Death Star Piñata out of a beach ball, paper mâché and tinfoil, and the *most* adorable BB8 cake that was almost too cute to eat. We planned to take the whole birthday off of schoolwork and their household chores, and their excitement was uncontainable! 

They woke up elated to find new lightsabers for all three kids - and very promptly began to battle at 6:30 in the morning. After a special birthday breakfast, they completed several Jedi Training challenges to unlock access to birthday gifts throughout the morning - including a search for the missing droid. :) Then they each had zoom time with friends, and we had a special social-distancing birthday picnic with Auntie Judy outside in the carport. 

Isaiah - 6 years old

Bright eyed, full of life and laughter, wiggles and sillies, 

deep thinker, play-seeker,

 with the most tender sweet and loyal heart

Zoë - 9 years old

Considerate and caring with a heart of gold, 

creative and curious, sarcastic and mischievous, 

strong, passionate, and a faithful friend

Decorating BB8

Finn the Stormtrooper and Rey

Zooming with family from all over the WORLD!

Zoë and Isaiah loved hearing their loved ones sing "Happy Birthday" across the screen accompanied by Grandpa on ukulele (who woke up ridiculously early to join us in our timezone. :) Our Zoom Party included watching: me attempt to light 15 sparkling trick candles (which weren't very tricky), and a lot of blowing to get those candles out, an ecstatic duo fling tissue paper around the room as they opened their presents, and the birthday buddies and little sister (who pretty much thought it was her birthday too) attack the Death Star Piñata with a vengeance...or just intense eager anticipation to get those treats out.  I'm sure it was thrilling for those across the screen. :)

We enjoyed time with "just us" - we ate cake, built legos, played with all the new things, went on a bike ride with new equipment, watched "The Force Awakens" and had our favorite Pizza Snob for dinner. It was a full day of fun filled with smiles and excitement as we celebrated Zoë and Isaiah with all the people, things and food they love!

Zoë and Isaiah, 

Nine years and six years of joy and adventure

Your lives are an incredible gift from God

and I love you past the moon - to the farthest galaxy - and back.

Happy Birthday!