Hard to believe we have an 11 year-old in the house. Eleven may be old, but not too old for birthday pancakes!

Then Jake flew with Jim to Pilot Pete’s for dessert on the evening of his birthday. After dessert, they called Mom and Dad to give them a heads-up that they would be going for a joy ride along the Chicago lakefront. Despite my parents’ efforts to stand out in the midst of the lit-up city…Dad stood in the window shining a flashlight on and off like a lighthouse beacon, and Mom jumped up and down while waving her arms (a photograph I wish I could insert into this post)…Jim and Jake were unable to spot them.

Last Saturday our family came over to celebrate Jake’s birthday. We enjoyed a fondue night where everyone cooked their own meat around the table. We also pulled out the chocolate fountain for dessert.

Most everyone showed restraint around the warm, flowing chocolate…except a certain 2 year-old.

What with everyone so busy talking and getting food ready, he saw a good opportunity to check out the fountain. He was just making sure everything was working properly. Really.

Yummy birthday cake, thanks to Judi and her favorite bakery.

And great science presents, along with a new wardrobe for spring. Hooray!

We enjoyed the fondue dinner so much that we decided to have it again for lunch on Sunday. It made a big hit with the kids.