On Friday, Smith turned NINE!
Where did this baby right here go…
…seriously, someone go find him and bring him back because I want a big SQUEEZE!!!
This year, for his birthday, Smith picked yet again to go snowboarding in lieu of a party and gifts. He did this last year and loved it so much that he wanted to do it again. What’s the first thing I do when my kids decide what kind of birthday they want? CALL AMY…
…bam.
Isn’t it super cute?! Don’t forget, after years of me begging, she has opened up a shop that sells these custom birthday signs!! You can visit it HERE.
So, last week, Andrew took Smith and Nixon and they headed to Vail, Colorado for Smith’s 9th birthday…
…at the airport about to leave! Tab met them there the very next day, so that he could be a part of the fun too!
Remember when they looked like this…
…now, they’re both so BIG!!!
So, Andrew sent me a bunch of pictures from their trip that I’m uploading below. Basically, it looks like they ate a lot of junk food and loved snowboarding/skiing…
#allthecarbs on night one!
See? Pasta with butter and Parm? Why not? #itsvacation
Look! Tab made it for the fun!!
Andrew had the BEST time with his boy!
These two.
I know that one night, they ate dinner at Elway’s and the other night, they ate dinner at Flame and Pepi’s.
Smith said he LOVED being in Vail! He said we need to go back there as a family.
The dads let them pick out their own snacks at the grocery store. #sigh
A few pics from Smith’s Snowboarding Birthday PART 2.
These days are just flying by, friends. If you have little ones and are in the throes of babyhood right now, kiss them and give them a cuddle for me. It goes by too quickly. xo
To see Kensington’s parties from years past, here you go…
Kensington’s Big Apple Birthday
Kensington’s Big Apple Birthday
To see Smith’s parties from years past, here you go…
To see Ashby’s birthdays from years past, here you go…
Ashby’s Frozen Swim Party
Ashby’s Frozen Swim Party
To see Madeley’s birthdays from years past, here you go…
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Your kids have the best birthday bashes – all thanks to you adults, of course! You guys are experts at party and event planning! 😀
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
It looks like Smith has the best time! Vail is definitely on the list of places to visit and ski!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Erika Slaughter says
Ahhhhh!!!! My boys had SO MUCH FUN!! Wanna know the first thing Nixon mentioned? Not the mountains, flying down the hill, or anything like that…the junk food! Hahaha! Slaughter boys had a great weekend!
Sarah says
Such a sad thing to let them eat junk!
Looks like an awesome birthday tradition!
Tanya says
The years go so quickly, and I can tell you that the clock just gets even faster in the teen years! What a great birthday!
Narci says
What a fun trip for Smith! Looks like the boys had a blast!
Sheaffer Sims says
Skiing AND picking out junk food at the store? SCORE!
Christy Latimore says
The snacks made me laugh so hard!
Rachel says
It’s not a “good” birthday unless there is lots of junk food involved!! Happy birthday, Smith!
Tara G. says
I somehow ended up with a 16 year old this month – time does fly!!!
Kerri says
Looks like he had so much fun for his 9th Birthday!! Time sure does fly by!
Vreni says
Wow what fun! As for Vail, you’d love it there! It’s my family’s favorite place to ski. I’d recommend renting an AirBnb or VRBO in West Vail. Lots of cute condos and then they’re all on the free ski bus line, which means you walk about a block to a little bus stop and then the bus (meant for people in ski gear too) drops you at the base! Plus lots of fun restaurants, shops and spas along the way.
Erin E Port says
Looks like a blast and sweet memories that will last a lifetime.
Paula says
That time & those memories are priceless.
Liz says
Oh this reminds me of all the weekends the boys would take skiing. Every year Andrew and David would go MLK weekend skiing. Then when Matthew was old enough he went too. So fun. Those are the days. Hug your babies. Do anything they love to do as kids and teenagers (ok. Within the law, does that need to be said?) but I think t-ping a house doesn’t count. ? it’s totally lawful. Anyway. I digress. Make those memories.
Wendy says
Vail is our favorite!! Such a great time and so many memories! I’d skip the presents and parties too for a weekend in Vail!
Kristy says
It is my baby’s 1st birthday TODAY! We adopted her at birth and she has completely stolen my heart. This 1 year flew by SO fast – I cannot imagine 9! Happy Birthday to your sweet Smith!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ahhhh!! Happy birthday to her!!!!
Cat says
Wow, what a getaway! And first class seats for the 9 year olds!
Courtney says
Love that Kensington and Smith are choosing experiences over parties for their last couple of birthdays! Those are the best memories! Happy Birthday to Smith! My son turns 5 in March and I am in such denial. He’s just too big!
Julia says
Happy birthday Smith! I’m sure my son would love a boys weekend for his birthday too. We are headed to Beaver Creek for the first time for spring break… can’t wait!!
cassie // hi sugarplum says
I love that he chose a trip over a party…a boy after his mama’s heart for sure!!
Corbie says
It does go by so quickly! I just made a DMV appt for my son to get his drivers license in a few weeks! I swear I just gave birth to him… how does this happen!?!
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
The snacks pic is the best! And all I saw in that plane pic was little Tab and little Andrew! Love his new sign too!!
That Inspired Chick
Jill says
Awww…SO fun! We are taking our 5 year old grandson on his first ski trip to Big Sky next month…seeing your ski posts makes me even more excited ?
Ashley says
How fun!! I loved your post about your family trip over Christmas Break. My husband and I have two little girls (7 and 3) and have been contemplating a ski vacation! Any tips?! Specifically renting snow gear? Do you just have your own?
Mix and Match Mama says
Andrew, Smith and I own our stuff but we rent helmets for the two little girls (K wears one Smith outgrew) and we rent ski boots for all three girls (and then me plus the three girls rent skis).
Chelsey Fernandez says
First of all, love that your kids are starting to pick experiences over parties. But oh my gosh, I’ve been reading your blog for a long time and of course I remember your kiddos when they were on the Bachelor/Bachelorette and I cannot get over how grown up Smith and Nixon look in these pictures. Time sure does fly! I’m about to have my first baby, a boy, in April and am already preparing myself to savor every moment!
Angela Ellingson says
Such a good idea to offer an experience over a party and gifts! Looks like so much fun!
Liz Thorson says
Awww, lucky Smith! What an awesome birthday weekend!???????
Melissa Frye says
That last picture of the boys… they look like little men! So grown!
My kiddos are all teenagers (my oldest will be 20 in March)… it goes so fast! Enjoy them every day! <3
Carol says
Thank you for this reminder – my boys are nearly 2 and four right now and I often wish they were older so it could be easier so I’m trying to be content in this sweet short season and cuddle them hard now!!!!