Gabriel's 2nd Birthday

Sunday was Gabriel's 2nd birthday and my own 34th birthday, so we threw a party in the back yard. Not allowed to eat much sugar, Gabriel definitely enjoyed the cake, ice cream and fruit sodas that were served. The shot below is right after Gabriel blew out his candle.



Several cousins of Gabriel's appear in the photo and I had to refer to the following webpage for guidance as to how Gabriel is formally related. Gabriel's first cousin once removed (1C1R in geneology lingo) Teri Lynn Garcia is holding him. Teri's sister, Leigh Ann - also Gabriel's first cousin once removed - can be glimpsed immediately above Teri's right shoulder.

To Gabriel's right are Toni Rae and Taryn, Teri's daughters and Gabriel's second cousins. Behind Toni Rae is a partial glimpse of Me-Ma, Gabriel's great grandmother and Gramma Dianne's mother. Well, that's all settled and I got to learn how cousins are designated. Nifty.

Also attending his birthday party were his Grandparents Korynasz and Grandparents Reid, his mama (who was fighting through a bad headache, poor mama) and dada, and his friend Ian, Ian's parent's Karl and Melani and Melani's sister, both of whom are from Indonesia. Melani brought over some tasty sticky rice with chicken stuffed inside. Google revealed the dish to be called Lemper Ayam - here's the recipe for those interested.

Below is a shot of the kids playing in the sandbox - a big hit (thank you Uncle Tom and Aunt Kate) - though Ian's a bit preoccupied with dumping a bucket of sand and didn't look up.



By the time of the birthday party, I was already a bit worn out from all of the chores and cooking. I cooked a 10-lb. brisket in the smoker for ten hours and I have to say I think it turned out very well. I actually saw my dad cutting his like butter with his plastic spoon. I took that as a compliment.

The old Texas grocery store chain H-E-B, where I shopped on the cheap during college in Waco, turned out to be invaluable for brisket recipe information. Their site has some great, local recipes from various places in Texas. Check it out.

Gabriel did very well in the gift department, as can be seen in the photo below. I helped him open his gifts, he helped me with mine, and Gramma Judy is there showing him how to push the music buttons on an Elmo book. Gabriel's fascination with choo-choo's was clearly rewarded with several trains and train books, including the Duplo Thomas the Tank Engine set.


But honestly, if everyone had brought him a balloon, the boy's so fascinated with them he may have been just as happy!

Thanks to everyone who came and generously gifted both of us! We hope you had a great time!