An Even Dozen

We celebrated it like the milestone birthday that it was. Turning twelve is a big deal.

Caleb decided months ago that he wanted to spend his birthday at Safeco Field cheering on the Mariners. Two of the friends he wanted to include in the celebration were not in town but other than that, it was the perfect way for our sports-loving boy to celebrate.

I decided to buy Caleb the Mariners birthday package--it's a steal of a deal! He got a mini duffle full of goodies as soon as he got to the park.

The package included a birthday ball, hat, $25 to Ivar's, a $5 Mariners gift card to use at the concessions and a card with birthday wishes. All that and a special surprise that he wouldn't know about until after the second inning. This birthday was already off to a pretty good start.


The whole experience was made that much more fun by being able to spend it with two best friends.



The girls got in on all the fun, too.

We visited with the Moose and grabbed our food--pizza for Caleb. I'd convinced Caleb to go to the game the day before his birthday partly because it was LDS night. We got discount tickets and then were surprised with free hats and t-shirts.




We met Jon at the seats and he surprised Caleb with a dozen Krispy Kremes (the first of many treats to come in a set of 12). Could this birthday get any better?

Then, after the second inning, we turned Caleb's attention toward the centerfield scoreboard...

He was thrilled. And so proud to be loved by the Mariners. I think he was slightly disappointed to find out the the "we" in "we love you" referred to his family, not the Mariners.


The seventh inning stretch. Always a highlight.



The Mariners lost but it was a winning night for all the fun we had.

Caleb woke the next morning to his favorite junk food by the dozens. He got 12 cans of Sprite, each with 12 oz. He got a box of 12 ice cream sandwiches, a 12 oz. bag of Doritos, a 12 pack of Bazooka and of course, a dozen eggs.

The eggs were filled with some favorite candies and a few dollars.


After lunch, we headed to the bowling alley with some friends.

Natalie decided she didn't want to bowl, so she rode around on Grandma's scooter. (She recently had surgery on her foot.)




After the first game, we broke for some cake and birthday singing.







He got some thoughtful gifts from his friends. As we walked to car he sighed pleasantly to himself, "A gift card to Ben and Jerry's...just what I needed."

We ended the night with dinner at Red Robin where he got a free sundae and more birthday singing. He fell into bed quite satified.

He's looking forward to more 12-year-old milestones on Sunday. Stay tuned for pictures of him in his beloved Mr. Mac suit.

Happy 12th birthday, Caleb! We love you! (your family, not the Mariners, although I'm sure they love you too.)