On the night of the event, Holly and the kids took me to one of my favorite local places for the always excellent London Broil and frites. London Broil was a staple whenever I visited my grandparents.

For dessert–since the Key Lime Pie was looking pretty iffy–we split a butterscotch pot de creme and a butterfinger hot fudge banana split. Totally worth it.

Not really related or part of my birthday, but Holly and I went to two great, but very different concerts on the Saturdays straddling my birthday. First, after Madysen’s graduation dinner with Holly’s family, we went to Gexa Energy Pavilion to see Arcade Fire. We timed it perfectly to miss all the concert traffic and the opening acts to walk in just as they took the stage.

It was an awesome set with great energy and visually pleasing. Holly’s expert opinion: “Wish they had more words and less sounds.” Not that she knew any of the words they did have.

The following Saturday was Wilco at the University of North Texas Main Auditorium, a non-conventional concert venue.

Another great set but with a completely different energy. More like a warm hug of your favorite tunes.

Even more tangential–the following day was Mother’s Day and I got Speed and Emma out of the house for the morning (Madysen was at the lake with friends) to give Holly some quiet time. We went to The Londoner to watch Manchester United win a huge tilt against Chelsea 2-1 to put them 1 point short from the EPL title. It was awesome to watch. I took this picture of Sir Alex celebrating just as the final whistle blew.

The 19th league title is pretty sweet.

I think some friends decorated her locker, and the carpool girls gave her a 2 liter of root beer covered in candy and gum.

Most of the carpool gang and the gift

There's a lot of hot glue holding all that together

With all of the regularly scheduled Friday night activities interfering, we only had time to open presents, though she did get to pick what Holly made for dinner–fajitas.

The love is clear on Speed's face

On Sunday, we had Layla choose the family dinner. She wanted hawaiian pizza. I told her we either do that or get good pizza. She chose good pizza. So we tried a new place to us (by highly recommded by our Italian friend) Urban Crust in downtown Plano. Ended up eating on the rooftop patio on a beautiful day and had great pizza, calamari, and flatbread.

Emma--as always--cracks everyone up

And because I have a problem, we had two desserts. I insisted on the first, Harry’s Homemade Ice Cream, which was tasty but pretty rundown and lacking service-wise. Layla had requested Sprinkles Cupcake, which I was more than happy to accommodate.

The limited time Irish Chocolate are so choice

One Sprinkles side-note: When Holly, Emma, and I went in to get them earlier in the day, they had recently included a new table for cupcake consumption. The funny thing is that the table is like 20″ off the ground, and it had 3 adults sitting at it. It was hilarious upon first glance. So I lined up Emma to take a picture of her tennis outfit (worn in her first match just before) really just hoping to get a decent shot of the giant people at the mini-table.

Did not come off as well as I had hoped

So anyway, still can’t believe we’ve got all these kids, and that, for the most part, they are good.

But even before his birthday got here, I took him and his friend Grayson to the OU-Texas Tech game, which was a lot like the last time we played Tech at home. And poor Grayson, he’s a Tech fan and was at both beatdowns.

But Grayson and Speed remained friends–at least for the weekend–as they spent two nearly sleepless nights playing Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition. Of course, this being Holly’s parents’ house, playing the game meant Speed had to take his PS3 and the boys had to help Papa install the TV that had been sitting in a box in the corner for several months.

Papa, Speed, and Grayson place the TV on the mantel

Still a bit surprised that Holly thought that game was a good idea in her parents’ house–the same house in which she didn’t see any R-rated movies until we were married. But PatPat and Papa were good sports–even buying Speed (and me and Grayson) dinner at the original Cocina de Mino and posing for a picture that Emma needed for Greatfriends Day at school.

Papa and PatPat in their new kitchen

And then his birthday actually got here, Holly went to all the trouble to get him an appointment for his drivers test, gave him last minute, probably faulty, and probably ignored pointers. And he passed on the first try.

That evening, we kind of opened presents. He’d already gotten most of them–OU/TX tickets, OU/Texas Tech tickets, Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition, etc.–so there wasn’t much drama.

Speed attempts to read as Layla and Emma watch

He even pre-picked out these ugly black/white/purple things.

Ugly shoes; I guess that's teens for you

And he pre-ordered a Dez Bryant Cowboys jersey even though he’s a former OSU Cowboy.

Ginger Dez Bryant

For his birthday dinner, he decided on trying a new (to him) burger place, Maple & Motor. It’s very, very good, but the best part was that Madysen got to see her former freshman English teacher, now Maple & Motor burger genius.

Finally, Holly told Speed to endorse a birthday check. Apparently, he has no idea what that means. I guess he’ll sign anything, anywhere.

He actually practices that signature

So we are two weeks into Operation Speed Drives–he’s even taken Emma to basketball practice–and we are all making it. FINGERS CROSSED.

On Thursday night, she went with friends to one of the final regular season Texas Rangers games. She is such a fan that I had to point out to her afterwards that Cliff Lee had pitched (it’s at least the third time she’s seen him pitch without noticing this year).

On Friday, she dropped her 3G iPhone–her third one in two years–and I helped her get an iPhone 4. Over/under on breaking it is three months. I’ll take the under. Then she went to dinner with friends.

On Saturday, I took her to the greatest experience in the history of ever. Boomer!

On Sunday, we were going to have the family celebration dinner. She wanted to eat at Villa-O, a restaurant that I have renounced. I can see her being irritated about this, but I have good reason. So she settled on Carrabba’s. At home we opened presents, sang “H-B” in the dark, and had brownies and ice cream.

I hope you are singing along at home in the dark

Everyone likes Speed's homemade brownies and ice cream

Happy Birthday, Theo! I’m dealing with this somewhat better than I will in a month when Speed takes his driving test. You’ve been warned.

Anyway, unlike most birthdays of recent years, we consolidated the festivities down to one day. But boy what a day it was. Started off with just Emma and me for breakfast over donuts. I left it up to her whether anyone else was invited. She decided against inviting others.

Unfortunately, we both have a thing for donuts

After lunch at the house, which Emma graciously allowed everyone to eat, it was present time.

Madysen is excited about present-time!

Remember how much Madysen cares next time you think about sending a card

Deciding which to open first is momentous

A tennis outfit

A tennis bag

A tiny paper tennis racket, so she can pick it out herself; I'm getting the sense that there's a tennis theme

Tennis rollerblades--wait, I'm confused

And some other stuff. So having eaten and opened gifts, it’s cake time! For whatever reason, I’m guessing because Speed was involved, the cake had two simple candles and a “7″ candle.

Cake with no icing? Now I'm really confused

Candle success except that the "7" fell (Speed's fault)

That’s a pretty decent birthday–and it’s not even 2 p.m. So all the kids and I go see Despicable Me in 3D. Man, I hate 3D. Really, we aren’t yet in a position to take advantage to the potential benefits it brings. I have to wear uncomfortable glasses to see the opening credits in 3-D and have some shard of glass fly in my direction?Meh. But I’m loosing this battle, clearly. Every movie preview was for a kid movie coming out in 3D.

But as for the movie, I would have loved it in 2D. I laughed a lot. I think Madysen was a little uncomfortable with how much I laughed.

That evening, Emma had her choice of restaurants for dinner. Kind of. She picked Red Lobster, which is where Holly and I worked in our salad days and neither of us have fond memories of the experience. I.e., we don’t think the food is any good. But I was fine with it. Holly, however, suggested (with just enough persuasion) Pappadeaux’s. So we did that.

And dinner was fine. They even brought Emma a turtle brownie thingy.

Yes, more sweet stuff crammed into one day!

The waitstaff doesn’t sing for birthdays, but Layla launched into a solo directing her voice over Holly’s shoulder to the Jonas Brothers sitting very close to us.

Oh, did I forget to mention that Kevin Freaking Jonas (!) (channeling Emma and Layla and Madysen and Holly (though they’ll deny it)) had been sitting at a table just feet away since midway through out dinner? Holy cow. There he was. Layla had the vapors. Emma had the vapors. Madysen tried to play it cool. Holly pretended like she only cared because the girls cared.

As we were leaving, Layla–more than a bit nervous–walked over his table, introduced herself, shook his hand, and asked for a picture. He was polite enough to indulge her, at which point Emma jumped up to get in the photo.

Surprised they didn't pass out from excitement

And while it is somewhat fitting that Layla’s wearing her family motto t-shirt “Go Big,” it would have been even better if she’d been wearing her Nick Jonas shoes (which she did have on at the movie) or her “Mrs. Nick Jonas” t-shirt.

Once in the car, I asked Emma if this was the best birthday ever. She replied: “Best day ever!–so far.” Not willing to put all her chips in as of yet.

Then we went to Toys R Us and looked a Webkinz and bicycles. Pretty weak ending.

Holly’s birthday intersected with Mothers Day, which occurs every six years and poses great risks for me. Not allowed to make too big a deal, but the one year I went really understated resulted in great wrath. We all survived this year.

Holly is asking whether I'm taking a picture; "No," I responded

On the the real story. Layla tuned 11 on March 4. Woo-hoo! Hard to believe.

The festivities unofficially started with Sunday brunch while Nana, Pop, and Aunt Abby (who apparently needed escorts to show her how to get from Fort Worth to Dallas).

A couple days later was the dinner celebration at the restaurant of her choosing–Outback Steakhouse. She and Madysen like to share a steak and mac & cheese to make cheesy steak (copyright!).

After dinner, just the little girls and I grabbed dessert at Pinkberry–one of hundreds of frozen yogurt places that have popped up in the last year. It was okay–I’d stay away from the original flavor, and I’m disappointed that I failed to get the fruity pebble topping–but I’ll stick with ice cream and cupcakes.

On the morning of her birthday, we had to open presents at 7 a.m. since everyone was going to be otherwise detained that evening. Seems like she got a bunch of stuff that she wanted.

The early hour explains the poor photo quality?

So happy 11th birthday to Layla. Thanks for being you.

As has become standard practice around here lately, birthday activities stretch out over a week or more. On the day of his birthday, there were presents to be opened and breakfast for dinner. It’s a lot like Thunderdome.

Holly knows that this card doesn't open and is enjoying Speed's futile efforts

Looks cold in the living room

A glimpse at some presents: PS3 game, lunch money (all in change), and one boot

On Wednesday night, Speed and I went to the Mavs game against rival Spurs. Both teams were heavily undermanned, but it was an exciting game ending with a Mavs win in OT. Dirk was great.

But the highlight of the night was when I caught a t-shirt projectiled into our section by the t-shirt cannon. I think I saved a woman from getting hit directly in the face; some call me hero. An aside on the t-shirt: it’s an advertisement to have the Mavs mascot, Champ, come to your party; boo!

The fruits of my labor--a heavily taped up t-shirt that I'll never wear

Sunday night was Speed’s choice for dinner, and he chose the very tasty Javier’s, serving continental Mexican cuisine. And for dessert, the family favorite, Pacuigo’s, for gelato.

On the following Tuesday, driver’s permit in hand, he got into the driver’s seat of a driving school vehicle and drove for 2 straight hours. You have been warned.

Finally, he is planning a weekend with friends down at my parents’ place, hoping to shoot guns, ride four-wheelers, fish, etc. And I guess I’m in line to chaperone that since I was pressed to do so with Madysen and 4 friends for her birthday. If I survived that, I can probably survive anything.

Looks like a reasonably sized bite

Fifteen years ago today, he of the left-handedness, ginger hair (with optional bowl cut), and chocolate covered face was born. It’s been all downhill since.

Which brings us to another heart stopping announcement, he’s getting his permit to drive this afternoon. So Trench, even though you are three states away, you wanted to be made aware. Buckle up. Now!

Anyway, here’s a short little recap on what went down related to her birthday. I’m hoping this will be cathartic for me.

• Dallas Summer Musicals’ Mary Poppins. This was a girls only event. Emma was less than impressed.
• Since Mary Poppins was at Fair Park during the State Fair of Texas, they did the fried food bonanza that the Fair necessitates. So fried pecan pie, fried peaches and cream, pork rinds, fried Reese’s peanut butter cup, plus Emma and Layla shared a gigantic turkey leg while Madysen and Holly each had their first Fletcher’s Corny Dog.
• Painting more of the pottery Emma and Layla made at camp this summer. Aside from the mugs, bowls, and vases is a pig dog that Emma made. Very interesting.
• Excellent family dinner at Villa-O with Pacuigo’s gelato for dessert.
• On her actual birthday, we grilled out teriyaki chicken, opened presents, and Sprinkles cupcakes before she and I headed out to her soccer game, which didn’t go particularly well.
• She got her license. Her first drive was a quick trip to a friend’s house. When she returned, she was excited that she only ran over one curb. When I expressed disappointment, she retorted: “It wasn’t our curb!”
• And in an attempt to draw this thing out at long as possible, she’ll be spending next weekend with friends out at my parents’ place in the middle of nowhere.

Looks like I’m going to make it, but every time Madysen grabs the car key, I’m not so sure.