A Very Big Birthday

Don't ever let Zach fool you into thinking he didn't get to celebrate 30 the right way. He got spoiled and loved on and celebrated and showered with gifts and well wishes.

Ever since he turned 28, he has been begging to go on a big trip for his 30th. We talked a lot about it and unfortunately it's not that easy to just up and go. We scaled it back and he decided he wanted to do his 30th birthday at none other than Lambeau Field. The perfect venue for his big 30th birthday! However, the game isn't for a few weeks.

I said Lambeau was his gift, but then felt bad, and we decided to celebrate his birthday a few weeks back and I gifted him a "Tree Chugger" membership at his favorite brewery. He now has his own mug at the brewery where he can go for a free beer each month. Lucky guy!

You'd think that would be enough, but not for our Big Zook! He wanted to have a party as well. I didn't get a surprise party planned, so he was able to help me plan a party at another brewery downtown Saint Paul on October 17th. What fun we had!

Abe was able to join for a bit, and we had a great turnout. We sipped the local brew, sang "Happy Birthday" while enjoying red velvet cake, had out of this world pizza, visited with great friends and family, and stayed out later than we meant to. I know Zach felt very honored and I'm so happy he had a great party.

Saturday the 18th Zach and I had discussed several times that I would be leaving for a baby shower. No problem! Zach and Abe will hang out until I get back. 2 days before the party, however? Zach changed his tune to "I can't believe you won't celebrate my birthday with me." (Please read above for all of the other celebrating we have done/are doing).

So I canceled on the baby shower and we planned on taking Abe to his new favorite park- Teddy Bear in Stillwater. What a difference 6 weeks made. This time while there, Abe ran around, laughed, loved the slides, tried to hang with the big kids, climbed the ramps and had so much fun. He was also obsessed with the big teddy bear.

We decided to go to Tremblays next-the same candy store we went to for my birthday! Bonus is that Zach lets me eat all of the candy we picked out!

Next was Nacho Mama's, a cute little Mexican restaurant where Abe gorged himself on guacamole and pork tacos, and Zach and I both had different versions of seafood tacos. Definitely yummy and a place we'd like to go back to.

We decided to let Abe hit up Teddy Bear park one more time before leaving. Gosh, the joy on that kids face as he got to go down the slides a few more times!

We threw Abe in the car and he looked like he would snooze all the way home. As we were about halfway home, we saw a small nursery/greenhouse that looked like it had some pumpkins. We weren't planning on doing a pumpkin patch this year but since Abe was still awake we decided to stop in.

BEST IDEA EVER.

I think the best gift Zach got all birthday was watching Abe play in the corn pit they had set up. He was so hesitant at first but once I got him going down the slide and flying into the corn, he was in a fit of giggles. It was the best. I didn't want to leave! I think we'll have to build Abe his own corn pit next year, ha.

We took the obligatory pictures next to pumpkins and other items the farm had out. Abe also got friendly with the goats and sheep they had for the kids. We left with huge smiles and a very tired little boy.

I'm so glad that Zach got a birthday he'll never forget.