Colin's pre-birthday weekend

Colin has really been wanting a Build a Bear for his birthday ever since Maggie got one back in May for her birthday.  

Well, as luck would have it, they were having their big sale the weekend before his birthday, so we headed out there to check out their selection.  

He decided on a Pikachu doll (from Pokeman).  He got the Pikachu some pajamas and a skateboard to go along with it.

Here's our Build a Bear loot.

We also got a Puppy dog with some Royals gear at the sale for Eli when he turns 1. 

The kids can't wait to give it to him.

Then Colin had his first go at a conference swim meet.

It was soooo hot outside and it was at 4:30 in the afternoon.

Luckily, Colin was the first event, and in the first heat, which meant we were the able to leave shortly after the meet started at 6.  All the other parents were jealous as they were sweating it out by the pool.

Here's Colin jumping in for warmups.

Maggie and Eli were such troopers hanging out in the heat!

Eli was one HOT baby, but he tolerated it well.

Colin is the 2nd swimmer from the bottom.

He didn't swim his fastest time, but they started from the bulkhead and not starting blocks.  Plus, he was super nervous, so that might have affected his swimming some.

We were so proud of him though!  and I'm pretty sure he was proud of himself, too!

On Colin's actual birthday we hit up a nearby Japanese Steakhouse where they  cook the food right in front of you.  The kids weren't quite sure about all the fire business, but they really liked the food and decided we should come back to eat there again sometime.