It has been a few years since we’ve been home for Israel’s birthday. Usually we take our vacations this week (during spring break). But it was nice because it was just a very relaxing day where we could spend time together as a family. We didn’t do anything fancy. We just couldn’t afford much this time. As a special activity, we did a family sauna. LOL. Israel’s gift was practical (-as in, something he needed anyway): 2 sets of long johns. I baked some cookies and a cake. And Israel made dinner because that’s what he wanted to do and we invited Daniel and Alanna to join us for that. It felt like a scene from “Little House” (-except I don’t think Charles knows how to cook). But it was nice just to spend time as a family and to give Israel special treatment for the day. 
The day started with Israel starting up our wood stove to heat the house up!
Sauna time! (pronounced: SAH-oo-nah for you non-yoopers out there)
We sweat it out while the kids played with the water (-they sweat too!).
On Daddy’s birthday, we all decided to dress like Daddy for the day – PJs!
Micah putting on his crown.
The Cake: vegan strawberry cake with lemon icing and crushed walnuts (on the sides)
I knew my Cake Decorating Pathfinder Honor would come in handy! 😀
Dinner with Uncle Daniel & Auntie Alanna. Manu pretending he is Little David.
The Menu: Pieces of “mandoo” swimming in a mushroom/kelp-based broth with a cube of tempura tofu resting in the center. This dish was topped off with diced scallions and watercress. Served with white rice. An original recipe from Chef Israel Ramos. It was excellent.
He recruited some help to blow out the candles.
We didn’t realize how much smoke 29 candles would produce and we had to fan the smoke detector so it wouldn’t go off!
It was so nice to receive so many phone calls/messages etc. from loved ones. We thank all of you for remembering and caring. Israel, hope you felt special and loved because that’s what you are! God bless you this next year and may He grant you the desires of your heart! We love you more than you know.
Love,
Judy, Imanuel, and Micah
looks like a nice time.  Iz has finally caught up with me.  29 is beautiful. oh, and i’m pretty sure it’s “watercress” unless yoopers grow water crest (complete w toothpaste) up there.  =)and maybe the past tense of ‘sweat’ is ‘swutted.’  i’ll have to double-check.  i like quiet birthdays.  nice and… silent.  shh….  miss you guys!..come visit!!!!
@jensa07Â – LOL! Â Thanks for pointing that out! Â I would have never known. Â I have a tendency of doing that. Â Like when last time I put that the “windshield” was -40. Â I’ll change it. Â We totally need to get together…and soon…have a happy Sabbath!! Â Love you!!
What a nice celebration!!!! My favorite part: everyone wearing PJs for the day Congrats!Next time you come down, we have to do a lower P Fiesta de Cumpleaños Much love!