Tomorrow, my boy turns eight.
For those of you mamas out there with little bitty babies…and you think your life is always going to be feeding/changing/burping/spit up/never getting out of your sweats/always tired…please kiss those babies right now BECAUSE THEY DON’T KEEP!
I swear he was just born.
And now, he’s snowboarding on his birthday.
Sigh.
They just don’t keep.
Over the summer, Smith asked us if he could take Nixon and go snowboarding for his birthday in lieu of a party or gifts…and we said YES! We would much rather pay for experiences rather than parties, so this was an easy answer. The kiddos had a three day weekend, so Andrew asked Tab if he wanted to go too and off they went. Smith was so excited!! And no worries, he still got a birthday sign…
…isn’t it so cute?! We’ve had it displayed all week and will hang it later this week after his birthday 🙂 .
Andrew flew with the two boys and met Tab in Denver. This time, they were heading to Beaver Creek to ski/snowboard. Here they are lunchin’ at the airport…
…life is so much better when your BFF is with you 🙂 .
Three happy guys!
#allthepossibilities
Dinner that night.
Andrew Shull sure does love spending time with his boy!
Smith called me several times just to say he was having “the best time ever!”.
Erika and I loved getting texts like this 🙂 .
And that’s a wrap!
Smith came home saying he’s going to do this every year from now on 🙂 .
As the kids get older, I hope they pick more experiences over parties…these are such fun memories that I know the guys will have forever.
Okay, to see parties from the past just look below…
To see Kensington’s parties from years past, here you go…
To see Smith’s parties from years past, here you go…
Smith’s Hunting Party
Smith’s Hunting Party
To see Ashby’s birthdays from years past, here you go…
Ashby’s Princess Party
Ashby’s Princess Party
To see Madeley’s first birthday with us, here you go…
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Such a healthy birthday celebration for Smith! Can totally see how happy he is 🙂
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Melissa says
That looks like a really awesome way to celebrate Smith’s birthdy! Fun!!
Elspeth Mizner says
How fun! I’m with you, experienced are bette than parries especially as they get older
Erika Slaughter says
Is there any chance Smith would say he’d prefer to go with mom’s next time? Hahahahaha!!! Nixon and Tab had a blast!
Sarah N says
As my kids have grown – we have done “experiences “ in lieu of parties and it’s always my favorite. Headed to Copper Mountain CO this weekend to celebrate my 14 y old!!! He can’t wait!
Narci Dreffs says
What a great way to celebrate! It looks like they had a blast!
Christy Latimore says
Happy birthday, Smith! Last year at 7 was our first year foregoing a party and choosing an experience (laser tag with 3 friends) instead. At first, I was a little bummed about it. It after the fact, all the kiddos had so much fun and it was a breeze to handle!
Sheaffer Sims says
You know how much I hate planning a party. I’m loving this experience idea!!!
Andrew did a great job with pics during the weekend!
sydnee says
Like father, like son! Love seeing their special bond.
Design by Sydnee ?
Heather says
Oh, Shay! I love this! I also am a huge fan of making memories over everything else!! I try to take each one of my kids away at least once a year for 2-3 nights (you have to when you have 6, just to give everyone some one on one time)…also, I take them out for a half day on their half birthdays 🙂 They will remember those experiences, but they will not remember what they missed in school 😉
Laci says
What an awesome experience! Happy Birthday to Smith!
courtney says
What a fabulous idea – experiences instead of parties. I love it! Thanks for sharing, it looks like they had a great time!
XO
Courtney
http://www.greywoodmama.com
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Love the picture of them gazing at the snacks in the airport! That’s one of the perks of flying–picking out your snacks for the plane haha!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Katelyn says
Ughhh, I needed this post today as a friendly reminder. Currently in the throes of motherhood with a sassy 3 year old and wild 1 year old. Some days I feel like we just go through the motions and I sometimes wish things were “easier”. This reminded me to enjoy the NOW. I can’t wait to kiss on them and embrace the mess!! Happy Birthday Smith!!
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
How fun! Those boys cute faces look so happy! I love the experiences over gifts, too…my hubs and I do that, now to get the kids on board!!
kellie carrara says
Happy Birthday to Smith!! I love that he chose an experience over a party! Of course we did the party thing for years, and it was fun…but as my daughter has gotten older, she LOVES the birthday trips WAY BETTER. Last year we were in Disneyworld for her 12th (um, what’s better than THAT?!) and this year we went to NYC for her 13th with dinner in Times Square! I know I love traveling and experiencing something over a party at Build-a-Bear and lunch in the food court on a Saturday afternoon! 😉
Julie says
Yes! Experiences over things was our anthem this Christmas. And honestly, the experiences we chose this year will be enjoyed all year long by all of us, much more than toys would be.
Shelby Hennigar says
What a fun experience! We had the same experience this past weekend!! My soon to turn 13 year old (don’t know how that happened!!) and just turned 10 year old wanted to go skiing for the weekend and each take a friend instead of having a party! It was so much fun and great memories were made!
Kelly says
Experiences are the best! So fun that Smith and Andrew had this time together and even better when good friends are involved! Happy Birthday to Smith!
Angela Ellingson says
What a way to celebrate! ❤️ Happy birthday Smith! Enjoy your boy tomorrow!
Stacy DeAnda says
So fun!! I can’t wait for my little guy to be old enough to hit the slopes !!
Alexis deZayas says
I love this!! I would pick that every year from now on too if I were him! Happy almost birthday Smith!
Angelique says
I’m super impressed Andrew took that many photos! My husband would have come back with only a couple shots of the mountains. LOL. I can’t wait until my kiddos want experiences for birthdays. So much better than parties!
http://www.FOURPOINTSMOM.com
Anna S says
Smith is a wise eight-year-old. He will remember trips like this forever because he was with his Dad and best friend. Also, I think this is my favorite birthday sign yet!
Meg says
One of these days we have to convince your friend to sell her signs ?
Mix and Match Mama says
I tried talking her into it just yesterday! #noluck
Courtney T says
I couldn’t help but smile as I looked at these pictures! I have a 3 year old son, and he and my husband have the sweetest bond. I can absolutely see special trips like this in their future and it makes my heart SO happy! 🙂 So glad to see that Smith had so much fun!
Keisha Dawson says
We are doing this for our kids this year, and I’m so excited about it. They seriously don’t need another thing, so experiences that will last a lifetime is the solution!
Jennifer Adelsperger says
My boys love experiences vs parties. It is a great way to build memories and celebrate them. Love this
Patty Anderson says
When one of my best friends turned 60 her adult kids chose to give her one on one experiences instead of gifts. BEST BIRTHDAY EVER! No matter the age, it’s the perfect gift! Looks like your boys had a fabulous time!
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
That sign is amazing. Such talent! And that is such a fun trip for those boys. Amazing memories with their dads and each other! That Inspired Chick
Stephanie says
I love your message to mamas with itty bitty babies because I’m in the thick of diapers, etc. with two babies and literally just asked my husband this morning, “When is “groundhog’s day” going to be over?”
I always look forward to reading your uplifting posts! Happy birthday, Smith!! 🙂
Kristen says
I have a 9 month old son and am already dreading him growing up! I can’t even imagine him turning 8. I need to savor these moments cause soon he’ll be a big kid! I read your blog everyday and love it.
Donna Mason says
How wonderful for Smith to celebrate his bday this way. Those memories will last a lifetime. I am long time reader now and have tried to post numerous times and the site does not accept my posts? Hopefully this goes through. Happy New Year Shay!
Erin Port says
What a great idea. We might have to think about these sorts of adventures too. My inlaws are taking each of the kids when they turn 14 on a trip all by themselves for a week anywhere in the USA they want to go. I thought what an awesome experience for all of them to share. My niece is going this summer to LA! xoxo ERIN
Southern & Style says
This is the cutest thing of my life!
xoxo, SS
Southern and Style
Michelle B. says
I just love the signs! I hope you get them made no matter how old they get 🙂
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
I love that he wanted to go snowboarding with his bestie! And I love that he called you several times to say he was having the best time! You’re so right, babies don’t keep and it’s just the saddest thing ever, but so fun to watch them grow at the same time
Tish Ferry says
Smith looks so much like Andrew! Love their smiles! We do experiences as well now that our kiddos are older. We just gave our 16 yr son tickets to the San Antonio Spurs game and he is pumped! He’s trying to see all the different basketball teams and Arenas! So fun! Happy Birthday, Smith!