Derek's 9th Birthday
January 30, 2003
Birthdays. An opportunity to pause on the journey of life to savour the joy and wonder of another year. Come along with us as we celebrate this landmark for Derek, who turns 9 years old! Since we couldn't invite everyone to the party, we thought you would enjoy our picture tour of the event. Who knows, with a little imagination, you may almost have as much fun as we did!
A Birthday at the Lenos home is a special event!
Other homes have their Tooth Fairies, but birthdays here are the domain of the Amazing Birthday Dude!
A special someone wakes up to the sound of loved ones singing "Happy Birthday!"
Even Slowpoke is startled and wonders what's going on.
Yes, I remember, it's my birthday! Hugs all around ..
.. kisses too ...
And the best part .... presents!
After all that excitement, it's time to satisfy the appetite with a special birthday breakfast. Derek's choice .. waffles.
It's party time! How to tire out seven nine year olds? Tobogganning at Lakeside Park!
Are you sure this is a good idea?
Derek and Michael Bowen are ready for action!
Kevin Drost checks out the competition.
Concentration is the key.
Andrew Kuehl and Brandon Fehderau prepare for a launch down the slopes..
... and they're off!
Jeremy VanDyke leads the charge!
The thrill of speed. The wind rushing through your hat!
I prefer going down!
Share the rush!
Jared is in hot pursuit!
It's time to raise the bar. Matthew Code has a little trouble restarting his GT.
Ready to roll..
We're airborne!!
Ow....that's gotta hurt!
It's definitely worth the climb back up the hill!
Look Mom, I can fly!
Defying gravity!
Why don't they put wings on these machines?
Hold on tight!!!
Ocassionally, someone gets separated from their snowboard!
.. or their toboggan.
Mayday! Mayday!
Catching some serious air!
Flap harder!
Calvin and Hobbes on suicide hill!
The older folks need a little fun too!
Don't leave me behind!
Even Oma (Derek's Grandma) get's in on the action. It's not so scary if you do it backwards!
Hey, why aren't we moving!
Time to organize the ultimate race.
Ready... set...
... Go!
Back home, there's lots of smiles and laughter.
What's a birthday without a cake!
Can he blow them all out in a single breath?
Lot's of cool gifts from special friends.
Time for the ultimate timed obstacle race. A little ring toss...
.. mini golf...
.. can they drive the car into the garage? ..
.. through the tunnel crawl ...
.. take careful aim for the bullseye!
Andrew wins the best time on the obstacle course! Let's get in a circle for a game of hot potato.
Hey, the hot potato is not supposed to be floating in the air!
The grand finale, fishing for loot.
I like these kind of fish!
Now that we've had our fill of sugar, it's time to send everyone back home.
There's lots of quiet play time after the noise dies down. It's been a day to remember. Too bad Derek has to wait a whole year before we do it all over again!
The photos on this page have been drastically reduced in size and quality from the originals for speedy loading from the Internet. To request the originals, or provide feedback on this page simply email Howard or Joanne Lenos at howjo_gang@yahoo.com