Ani, I love you.

Today is my lil pumpkin's birthday. One of his requests is to have our homemade caramels on his day. We have a family tradition of making these decadent caramels each Christmas. We give them out as gifts (if we don't eat them all first). These caramels are heavenly and take a long time to make. Then if the batch doesn't set up...well we just have to improvise and use spoons to scoop bites outta the pan.

For Ani to ask for caramels just makes me laugh and smile. Food is a wonderful tradition, especially on my mother's side of the family. We know how to get together and eat. Oh and enjoy each other's company as well, of course. So his request made me smile as I see the 'ol heritage being handed down to yet another generation.

Something about leaving 7 has been a turning point for this mama. I know I probably say that about every birthday these little boys have. But I've seen the most physical changes in this sweet little guy in the last year. Or maybe I'm finally sinking in to the idea that he's growing up.

All that said...here's a scrapbook I put together for my birfday boy. I love so many things about him!!!

Have a wonderful treat-filled weekend!