Happy Birthday to you...

We have had a lot of "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear......, Happy Birthday to you," being sung by Michael.  Between Michael's birthday in September, Ella's in early November, mine on November 23 and Adam's on December 1, well there just has been a lot of celebrating going on. Michael sings Happy Birthday almost every day. 

 

 

For the first time, since I can remember, my birthday fell on the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving.  So we had a fun little game night with three other couples.  We had a wine and cheese bar with an appetizer dinner.  Mandi made a super yummy cheesecake. FUN! FUN!

 

 

Adam has always had a strong interest in the medieval era.  I think he secretly wishes he was a knight that lived in a castle. ;) He owns a battle axe and a knight costume...very serious I tell you.  But I always tell him he is MY knight in shining armor.

So for his birthday this year the kids and I took him on a surprise trip.  It was so hard for me to keep this a secret because I knew he would love it.  Luckily, he did not know about Newman's Castle, in Bellville, because up until recently it has been known by just word of mouth.  Michael of course dressed for the part.  Adam was very surprised and thoroughly enjoyed the castle visit, yay!!! I think Mr. Newman is a man after Adam's own heart...he makes yummy baked goods and built/lives in his own castle.

 

Before entering and walking over the moat on the drawbridge, Michael was knighted and dubbed "Sir Michael" for the day.  He was given a wooden sir and was instructed to take anyone suspicious of misbehaving straight to the dungeon. 

Michael, at times, was more interested in the resident dogs.

 

 Ella had fun with Michael's sword.

Michael receiving his knight instructions...

 Sir Michael fulfilling his duties to help with the trebuchet.

 Guests of the castle working hard to pull the drawbridge up.

 

 DUNGEON!!

 

THE GREAT HALL

 

 CHAPEL

Michael was fascinated with the function of the sinks in the castle.

Lord of the Castle's bedroom. (Mr. Newman actually lives here and this is his bed!)

 

 THE DRAGON

Part of Michael's orders in being the Knight for the day included finding the dragon in the castle. 

 

We were served lunch, provided by Newman's Bakery.  Everyone gathered in the dining hall but because peanut butter cookies were included we had to eat in another area in order to keep our little knight safe.

FYI...here is the link http://newmanscastle.com/