The Big 4-0

This morning, we took Chi to The Flying Biscuit Cafe for a birthday breakfast. Aunt Suzy and Uncle John met us there to help kick off the fun for Chi's big day. What a fun place for breakfast or brunch! I highly recommend it -- yummy food (the best biscuits with apple butter you will ever place in your mouth) and such a fun atmosphere. We walked around and did some window shopping afterwards before heading over to Susan's to open a few birthday gifts. Chi got a new planer earlier this month to add to his growing workshop of tools, and this afternoon the boys gave him a few NC State things they had picked out for him. It's very clear which team they pledge their allegiance to! Although we normally root for State, I think Chi would prefer to wear something from his beloved Rutgers or UVA. Hmmm...we'll have to work on that for the 41st birthday! We may have to make a road trip to Charlottesville or Newark for some of that gear!

We spent some time with Susan and John before heading out to take the Little Nguyens swimming. It was fun to see how far they have come since last summer, especially the Second Little Nguyen. The First Little Nguyen is a regular little fish now, preferring to spend his time "scuba diving" for things and practicing his strokes. Chi invented a great pasttime for the Second Little Nguyen -- playing "Rescue the Sinking Boat" with a toy sailboat, which he took to right away. He eagerly swam after the ship each time, forgetting that we weren't holding onto him the whole time. Hmmm...it's all in the game, isn't it?

After dinner, Chi blew out the one lone candle on his warm chocolate cake (thanks for the recipe, Linda!) -- we spared him the other 39. The day turned out the be very relaxed, just the way Chi wanted it. He never wants a terrible fuss made for him, and he hates to be the center of attention. In fact, I'm sure he will wince just reading about himself on our normally Little-Nguyen-centered blog. It's just one of the many endearing traits our much loved Birthday Boy posesses.

Happy Birthday, Chi!