From Silas: Friday was Brock’s birthday so we had a family party for him. My parents, sister and her boyfriend got here early afternoon – met Brock and started getting acquainted. Marco (Dante’s Dad) flew down from St. Louis and got here late afternoon. Dante picked him up at the airport and said he’d never seen his Dad so excited. When Marco met Brock he said “HI. I’m your grandpa.” Brock looked at him and said “I never had a grandpa before, now I guess I have two.” Marco laughed and said “Well, I’ve never had a grandson before. Maybe we can figure it out together.” They’re already becoming “buds” and you wouldn’t believe how crazy Marco is about him. Dante made lasagna for dinner and for dessert we had a big chocolate cake with 6 candles for Brock to blow out. Then it was time for presents. My parents and sister surprised him with an Apple watch and Marco gave him a 3/4 size kids mini stratocaster electric guitar. He sat on the couch with a stunned look on his face for a minute, then went running up to his room. Dante and I looked at each other and he said “Let’s go.” When we got to his room we found him laying on the bed crying. I said “What’s wrong, bud?” Between sobs he said “What if they take me away?” Dante and I wrapped our arms around him and Dante said “Brock. I promise you no-one is ever gonna take you away from us. We love you and we’re your family forever.” A few minutes later we were back downstairs where my sister handed Brock his new guitar and said “Let’s crank this puppy up and see how it sounds.” So we did. Brock played several songs while everyone (including Daisy) sang along. It was his first ever birthday party and I’m thinking he’ll remember it forever. I know Dante and I – and the family – will. 🙂 Hugs, Silas
From David: We had a big party Sunday at Hawks nest and it was about as perfect as a party could be – capped off with the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win. Everyone was there including the grands, Silas’ family, Marco, Ms Evelyn, Jim and Carol, Taylor, Caleb, Isaiah, Nathan, Diana and the twins and all the dogs. Alex had planned the decorations and the “nest” was a sea of red and gold wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling. We ate ridiculous amounts of food, visited, played games and just chilled as we waited for the big game to begin. Brock brought his guitar…as did Silas and his sister “Sage.” Sage’s new boyfriend “Ken” is a drummer so he set up his drums and they played while everyone sang. At one point while they were playing “She’ll be coming round the mountain” Silas, Sage and Ken quit playing and Brock played solo while everyone chanted “Brock. Brock. Brock.” He’s a natural little showman and loved it.
When the game was over we heard fireworks in the distance but we don’t do fireworks because of the dogs. Instead, we went out back of the nest and watched the dancing waters while the Chiefs’ fight song played. It was a day we’ll all remember forever! xoxo David & Ben