Happy Birthday Matty

Yup.  Today is the big day for Matt.  As I write this he is sacked out for an afternoon nap... I guess the age is catching up.  Throughout the day he has been showered with love and gifts from kids to counselors and staff members.  Gifts ranging from soviet memorabilia, candies, coffee, flowers, photo albums, coffee mug and the list goes on.  He even got a very special gourmet omelet from the ladies in the kitchen.  It's left Cam and I with an out of tune Happy Birthday song early in the morning and a sad little post to hopefully let him know that we love him so very much.  I feel rather guilty though because each of his birthdays are really more of a gift to Cam and I.  We are so very lucky to have such a patient, loving, sacrificing,  and safe husband and daddy.  We take it for granted more than we should, but after being around these campers and hearing their stories I've been hit with how privileged we really are.  The other day one little boy (while hanging around Matt's neck) made him promise to never hit me or Campbell... and with tears in Matt's eyes he said "Never!".  First of all, it made us so sad to think that this is what this little boy fears, but then it made me realize that we really do have a great little family.  Despite all of our flaws (and believe me we each have our share :)), God has really blessed us with real love for each other.  Thank you Matty for always forgiving, being so very patient with me, being such a loving father, sacrificing time for Campbell and I (putting us first), making us laugh, and making sure we are safe.  We love you so very much and our proud to call you ours!  Sorry we couldn't spoil you with gifts today.  We'll send you off to a Shaktur game as soon as we can... you have it documented here.