40, going on 33

Earlier this week Keith's coworker gave him a compliment and said he didn't look a day over 35. She thought he was 40. Today he turns 33. It was not quite the compliment she thought it would be. What can I say, I like the older man look, you know?

Or maybe I need to forcibly moisturize his wrinkly skin at night....

Despite the wrinkles, or maybe because of them, we love this guy and wish him a very happy birthday. It's been a fun weekend celebrating, and today he and I get a few hours all to ourselves. Probably the best present we can give him, and I get to share it with him. Lucky me, for so many reasons.

You've seen this pic, I'm sure, but its one of my favorites from this year.

And this is September last year...

Happy Birthday, old man.

Oh. Oops.

On Sunday I forgot to wish Oupa a happy birthday. Oupa, if you don't know, means grandpa, and I'm so happy my dad is letting the boys call him that. I called both my sets of grandparents Ouma and Oupa and it has those feel-good memories attached. Oupa is a sometimes quiet, sometimes chatty but always thoughtful and funny guy who notices way more than he usually lets on, and always, always has a soft heart. And to be honest, is sometimes a lot more insightful that we give the old man credit for. But dont anyone tell him I said that, k? And if I can just get him to stop pretending to pop out his fake teeth in front of the kids to freak them out life would be good. Happy belated birthday, Oupa! Or Dad. Or Pappa, when I really want something. We love you. This picture is a few years old, but other than losing a few hairs, he looks the same. Cole looks totally different, having finally gained some hair.

As I type this, though, Oupa sits with the other half of Team Maternal Grandparents on a plane to Brussells**, for its their anniversary today! Whoooo! Happy anniversary and enjoy your trip.

Nana is not going to appreciate me posting this picture of them in their jammies, but hey, they're on an airplane over the Atlantic. Mwahahahahaha.

** I want chocolate.

I dont feel so bad for them...

Aunt Karen and her gang are in Hawaii, a little tired and feeling displaced after a long 9 hour flight there. The kids were great on the long flight, naturally, which excites us for a trip to SA in our future, and now they are enjoying this view from the house they are renting.

I wouldn't mind a little jetlag for this view. Yes, this is what they are seeing right now. Hopefully while eating pineapple and mango with a plumeria flower tucked in their hair.

Update: Karen continues to torture me with pictures of Hawaii while I sit at my desk....