Happy 8th Birthday, Spencer!

I think it's safe to say Spencer had a great eighth birthday.  It was on Monday, March 23.

We celebrated with friends the Saturday before at "Strike Zone", an indoor Nerf arena in Coeur D'Alene.  He was so excited about going there, and it did not disappoint.  Everyone had a great time, including the adults!

 Sunday morning, he and Skyler both got their "birthday breakfast-in-bed".  We decided doing it on a weekend would be better than Monday morning before school.  We had forgotten to do Skyler's the week before, so they got them both at the same time, in the same room, just in their own beds:).  They chose pancakes.

On his actual birthday, we celebrated by having Family Home Evening, more presents and more cake.  Fun, fun!

I love these "photo shoot" pictures the kids took on Monday.

 Perhaps his favorite present was his scriptures.  It was so sweet to watch him open them, be so sincerely thankful, and see him get a little teary-eyed because he was so overjoyed.  What a tender heart he has!

The Thursday following his birthday, Spencer had his special eighth birthday date with mom and dad.  We went to the Spokane Temple, then he chose to eat at an all-you-can eat buffet.  He was in heaven at the endless jello, chocolate milk, and the miraculous selection of food and, naturally, he had a tummy ache afterward:).  That was also his first night of Cub Scouts, so we headed to the church afterward for fun and (more!) treats. 

 

Then the next week the family started arriving for his baptism!

While Grandma and Grandpa Barney were here, they gave him his birthday present: a treasure hunt to a new backpack and a special 8th birthday gift.  Here he is on the treasure hunt all over his room for the gospel messages and "treasure".  He was beside himself with excitement.

 

He said his eighth birthday is definitely his favorite so far.  It was the birthday that never seemed to end.  It really is great to be eight!  We love you so much, Spencer, and are so thankful you are a part of our family! We look forward to all you will accomplish with your tender heart and wonderful ability to listen to the Spirit.