Connor Turns 10!

I'm a little ashamed to admit that our family doesn't make as big a deal about birthdays as others might. While many friends of ours celebrate kids' birthdays with big parties every year, we usually stick to a low-key celebration for the kids with maybe a few of their close friends over for some cake. This year, however, I had prepared myself to throw a big party for my firstborn. It was a big milestone birthday for him, as he was hitting double digits!

Connor on his 10th birthday

He managed a smile even though I made him wear a collared shirt, ha!

His natural pose -- the "dab"!

Many months before Connor's 10th birthday in early May, we began discussing and planning for the big party he wanted to have. We threw out several ideas and Connor was excited for the celebration. As it got closer to the date, though, I casually mentioned something about the cost of the party being equivalent to a big gift. He had actually been wanting a particular big gift for a while and asked me if he could get that instead of his party. I was worried about cheating him out of the special birthday party memories, but Connor was more than excited about the "deal" we struck.

No birthday party = extra special birthday gift! And I'd say he was super happy about the outcome...

Connor with his birthday gifts (in lieu of a party).

He knew what he was getting for his big gift.

And he was SUPER excited about everything that came with it!

We even managed to pull off some surprises. I love his expressive face!

He was so happy about his birthday gifts that even his sister got some love!

Since he wasn't having a party to commemorate his big day, he invited his closest friends over for a little low-key celebration at the house. They played Connor's new Xbox, swam, and enjoyed some pizza and cake. It was the perfect way to celebrate Connor's 10th birthday.

These boys crack me up. They were preparing for an indoor snowball fight but struck their cool pose for me.

Enjoying some pizza outside before a swim.

Connor got a notebook for his football cards.

And a cool Texans thermos. I love that his close friends know exactly what he would want!

Time for a swim.

And now for some birthday cake.

He tried not to smile but he was having way too much fun.

The cake didn't last long!

Soaking in some sun while the cake settled.

It turned out to be the perfect celebration for Connor's decade of life on this earth!