Happy Birthday, James

When we are in town we usually go to dinner Friday nights with friends from our CR community. Sometimes we carpool. We had another couple in our car going to the restaurant when James' brother called from England to wish him a happy birthday a little early.
Marsha and Jack heard and told the others and at the end of the meal a birthday treat for James arrived as a surprise. Everybody sang (loudly) and it was fun. Later there was singing at another table but when we left another guest said that our singing was better, ha-ha.

Amtrak had a special advertised because of an anniversary of the railroad company that from October 1 to 10 all train rides in Virginia were $10 each. James and I thought it might be a good idea to treat the three younger grandsons since they had not been on one before. We had treated William on one of his visits to one to Williamsburg which is about an hour and a half.

So it was arranged. I bought the tickets the evening before at the station for $40 and the lady at the counter who helped me with the tickets was super nice. Sarah and I went with the kids and this time James drove the car to the other end. The train was supposed to leave Staples Mill Station at 9:08 but was delayed about 1 hour. Luckily Amtrak kept texting me about the status and we could wait at home instead of the station. But finally ...

Papa was there and we walked into Williamsburg. Unfortunately there was a big Arts Festival going on with a very large crowd and finding a place for lunch seemed difficult. 

So we walked back to the parked car (Papa is getting it) and drove towards home.

I sat in the back (third row) with Caleb. 

We went to a pizza place. No photos.

Sarah is always informed about what is going on and her friend had told her about this place right on our way home. Of course the children loved this too. I have never really been to a place like this and I love my orange photos.

Sunday October 6 was THE day. We met the crew for lunch at Tarrant's West at noon straight from church. It was very nice and relaxing. The children were fun.

When we left the restaurant Sarah asked somebody about to walk in to use her camera and take a photo of us.

We went from there to their house because it is always easier with the children (so close to the twins nap time). 

I had prepared a birthday cookie at home the night before but it was definitely a fail. No idea what I did wrong except that I thought I had a pizza pan but didn't have it in Richmond. I have one in Nashville, ha-ha. So it ended up (almost) square which is no problem but it also didn't spread and was very lumpy. The taste was not bad but it was a bit crumbly. 

Anyway, I had brought all the decoration and the children were eager to help. They took turns putting gummy bears on the white icing dots I sprayed. Of course not all bears made it onto the cookie and I had to wipe Colins fingers several times dry because they got wet when he put one into his mouth to suck on. I had fun with my helpers.

Of course then we had the singing and eating which counted as the after-lunch dessert. 

VIDEO!     (0:25

Since it was nap time James and I went home because we were planning to leave the next day on a trip. James kept saying how nice his birthday was.