Day 1832. It was a Saturday, but we had to get up in the morning, as we already had to leave the house at 9:30. Our friend we hadn't seen in a long time had invited us to come celebrate her son's birthday with them. Because of construction work, it was a longer trip than usual to the other end of town.

Day 1830. On Sunday was the kids' big birthday party, and we adults could still feel the exhaustion for days. Sammy had horse therapy on Monday morning - his very last one - and gave his horse a kiss to say good-bye. I was teaching for two hours in the afternoon, with Tammy and Emmy occupying themselves, while Randy had to go to the pediatrician with Sammy to get a paper.

Day 1826. Yesterday we stayed home and stayed busy with the preparations for their birthday party today. I baked three cakes throughout the day, and once they were in bed in the evening, I combined the three cakes to one big one. I made some cream this year that I put on top, then I put the fondant on, creating three equal areas on top.