Clay turns 11.... Mom gets sad....

First off, Dane and I, being the senior citizens we are, forgot our camera at this party. Luckily for us, our darling daughter had brought her. The pictures aren't the best, but you can get the basic idea.
I can't believe my boy is actually turning 11 years old. As many of you know, I don't have a very good memory, but I can sure remember being pregnant with Clay, the HUGANTIC swelling he caused, the difficult childbirth and the first thing the Dr. said to me after he was born, " Oh... he has his mom's eyes". Clay is a wonderful brother and son and I love him so much. He has so many great qualitites, including always looking out for others. Clay has many friends. Everyone loves him. He's tons of fun to be around, and he's always, always good for a laugh. Clay has cracked us up from the moment he got a personality. He used to roll in only one specific direction as a child. We would laugh and laugh, because he would roll until hitting a wall, then just look around for someone to save him. To date, he is still just as hilarious. He's also very loving. He never wants to disappoint his mom, and feels terrible whenever he has. I feel so lucky because at 11 years old he's still okay with having his mom around. I'm still allowed to hang out, visit him at school, and even attend maturation class with him. I'm a lucky mom to have such a tender, loving, good and kind son. I am thankful for the 11 years we've had together.

For Clay's birthday, he took Gracie and 7 other friends to Boondocks Fun Center. Unfortunately, the weather was NOT cooperating with us that day and the kids weren't able to do any outdoor activities, like go carts, bumpber boats and mini-golf. Luckily we were given a raincheck for the outdoor fun and will be back again soon, on a much nicer day to enjoy that. The kids were still able to have tons of fun, though. We had 3 hours of arcade, eating and laser tag! We live in a great area with lots and lots of kids and Clay has many good friends.
Gracie, Dylan and Clay racing

Boondocks sets up a party table, along with pizza, drinks and balloons. I'm all about paying for that!!!

Clay's cute friend, Kasey Davis. The party was actually on Kasey's birthday. He and Clay are 2 days apart.

Hayden, Dylan and Garrett McLaughlin. The McLaughlins have become wonderful family friends. We love them.

Clay and Tyce Barber. Tyce is my friend Jill's grandson. We are so lucky he's able to spend LOTS of time at grandma's house. We have grown to love him and his family and he and Clay are great buds.

Clay and Griffin Hall. Griff also rides dirtbikes, and races RC cars. He gave Clay a bumper for his RC car. Clay was thrilled!!

Clay and Gracie. About a week before Clay's birthday Gracie asked me to take her shopping to get Clay a present. She knew exactly what she wanted and insisted on buying it with her own money. She loves her big brother so much and thouroughly enjoyed spending her money on him. It was a precious moment for me and one I will TRY to remember.

Gracie gave Clay a lego set, duct tap and some dirtbike vinyls for his wall. Too sweet.