Today was a rather big day in our house.

First, N turned 11!! He woke up with pancakes in bed, as usual, shaped like 1s and made by Dad. We sang to him and crowded on his bed.

Then it was off to school, but not before the obligatory porch swing pic. The air quality here is terrible due to the Canadian wildfires, so he didn't have outdoor recess, and he wore a mask to school. His name was read on CCNN – he is the only kid at CCES whose birthday was today – and then he had a normal day of school.

This is the hat N accidentally wore home from school yesterday after Westward Ho! day. He says he didn't realize he had it on. He wore it back to school today.

N had a birthday request – he wanted a treasure hunt ready for him right when he got off the bus. He wanted the neighbor's dad to hand him a clue and then for him to find the rest of the clues en route home. So I made one for him. He loved it! It was so cute.

Tonight we had dinner here to celebrate Nate and Grandma's birthdays. Shake Shack and cake. N got a lot of great presents – mostly balls/fidgets/books/games/sports stuff, with some other stuff thrown in. He loved his presents. 

I can't believe N is 11!!!

AND

In the middle of all of the festivities, A texted us to tell us that she had heard from USC. She didn't open her portal until she got home from work, but then she did… and was very stressed… AND SHE GOT IN!!!!

WE ARE SO HAPPY FOR HER!!!

She is celebrating tonight at Jill's.

A good day of continued health (Grandma Sandy); a year of achievement and growth (N); and a wonderful acceptance for A.