happy fake birthday to you, happy fake birthday to you...

i felt bad that illyas birthday will be a few weeks after we get to our new home in maryland and that all of his friends & family will be on the other side of the country. so, i decided to throw him an early birthday party. he picked "macaroni grill" for his dinner
(well, i nudged him a little towards that decision).

here are just a FEW shots of that night...

here's illya opening his presents.....

i don't know what patrick is praying for in the background, but i loved the effect!

i am in love with this shot i was able to capture of my sister, misty, with our nephew everett
(maybe i love it because i was able to get a picture of him sitting still for more than 2 seconds! that boy's a mover!)

geoffs face cracks me up in this picture!!

illya was trying to guard his cake from all the vultures swooping around him, but....

...heather was able to snag a piece while he wasn't looking...good for you, heather!


so, my dear illyusha, i know it wasn't on your exact birthday, but i still hope you enjoyed yourself.
love you, my birthday boy!