NEIL IS ELEVEN

Isn't "eleven" sweet... Neil is still chatty. And kind. He cares what people think about him. He cares about poor people and black people and people we are at war with. He LOVES President Obama. He is a liberal to the core. He has a distinctly goofy side. Tonight he gave Bay the following advice: "Bay... always be kind to people... even if they are mean to you and ALWAYS be kind to your friends". Bay nodded solemnly. (Seriously... I am not making this up.) We spoiled Neil for his birthday, and I believe that it was the first time we did this. Gene's Driver's Ed class is costing us the best part of $500 so his we warned him that his birthday gift would reflect this expense. Neil is not having a party (after he is in school next year, I expect we can make up for these past two years) so I felt okay in going all out with his present. He wanted a Nerf Gun which we got him. He got that on the morning of his birthday along with his favorite Starbucks Vanilla Latte (bottled) and a bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Then after breakfast we met Trent at the downtown bicycle store and he got to pick out a very cool, very solid bicycle. He was SOOOO excited. Gene was a little miffed but behaved himself as he oogled the bikes. (If his grades are good he may get one for Christmas.) (Gus wants one too.....)

We had cake and candles at 11pm. (That was when we got water again, having been without for three days... It's been a long, dry and stinky plumbing remodel... but we're almost done.

Happy Birthday Neil... (and Aunt Lisa!)