The Big Eleven for Little E

In December, our little giant turned eleven years old. (Yes, he's tall for his age--and he stands out since all five of his siblings are petite for their respective ages. Apparently he got all the tall genes in the family and left none for anyone else. And he's been larger than average since his birth.)

We tend to keep things fairly modest in our household for holidays and birthdays, but we try to make it nice. Dinner on the big day is always chosen by the birthday boy or girl, there's always cake and ice cream (or ice cream cake depending on the request), and we never forget the presents.

This year, Little E requested that we have eggs, bacon, and toast for his birthday feast. That particular meal is a crowd-pleaser (we're all raging fans of tasty strips of pig). He wanted chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream. (There's a young man after my own heart.)

Though he would have loved a Star Wars themed cake even more, Captain America was an acceptable alternative. (The bakery didn't have any Star Wars themed cakes--even to order, sadly).

Blowing out his candles! Also, you can see his gifts on the table. All Star Wars-y. :)

 Little E received lots of Star Wars goodies (if you couldn't tell that's his favorite...everything...you're in on the big secret now). He had on his Christmas wish list that legos Star Wars Old Republic Rebel Fighter thingy.  Mom and Dad decided to get it for his birthday instead.

Side note: Dear Creators of Legos... If you could, perhaps, make your sets cost a little less than an arm and a leg, that would be awesome. Thanks.

As soon as the cake was chewed and the ice cream was slurped, all the kids gathered round to either watch or help Little E put together his much anticipated ship.

Princess & C-bear were relegated to cheerleading duty while the others helped Little E.

The finished masterpiece. (Why yes, that is Mr. Magorium in the background on our television. If you have not discovered the magic of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, then get thee the disk from Netflix immediately!)

Did I forget to mention that the wings open up? How could I have forgotten that awesomeness!

Many happy returns, little man. You're growing up to be pretty darn spectacular.