Adding to the infinite list of why we are bad parents, Tara & I finally managed to host Samantha's birthday party with a few people on July 22nd, a mere 6 1/2 weeks after her birthday. With all of the work that we have had going on around the house (which was slowed greatly during baseball season) we just didn't have the time or a clean enough living room to have anyone over. Sam's Grandma Gail & Grandpa Jerry had already given her their present what seems like an eternity ago, around the date of her actual birthday. We asked Sam is she wanted the gift from Tara, Tyler, Drew, Jayden, and myself, but she said that she preferred to wait until her party. Dwayne, Erica, Donovan, and Marissa came to celebrate with Sam, as did Grandpa Gary & Grandma Terry. Jason, Tania, Elizabeth, Ben, Nick, and Erin also joined our celebration, since I was borrowing Jason's electrical experience to help out with some of the construction work. Thank you to everybody who came, and to those of you who thought of Sam on her birthday many, many moons ago!

Samantha's 11th Birthday
	Samantha opening the first of her many cards.
	Sam's audience!
	Sammie opening another birthday card.
	And another card for Sam.
	Sam opening the present that she picked out during the "Girl's Shopping Trip" to Indiana with Tara, Jayden, Aunt Erica, and Marissa.
	The Sims computer game that she has been asking for.
	A new athletic shirt for her to wear on those steamy days of practice.
	Another new shirt.
	Grandma Terry giving Sam some money while saving on a card.
	Sam opted to make and decorate her own cake this year, and she did a pretty spectacular job!
	Sam posing for a picture with her cake.
	Sam having the "Happy Birthday" song sung to her.
	Sammie blowing out her candles.
	Ben, Tyler, and Steve waiting for their cake.