Our last 3 year old

Happy Birthday Gabriel!

This morning, I started my week's vacation to cover for Laura as she tromps off to YW girls camp. So, it was just me alone with the kids to hang out today.


The morning started off with all of us singing "happy birthday" to Gabriel. He's a treat to have around. I still like to call him "face" since it seems like he knows he can get away with anything just with that smile of his. I feel like he's growing up quickly. He's having conversations with his siblings and adults, reasoning with them to get his way. Also, in the last couple of months, he's been potty trained, which make him ready for pre-school in the fall. 

So, today, we went to spend some birthday money (along with Ben) at the mall. They selected swords, axes, and maces in order to duel and show their toughness. Then, we went to his choice for lunch: McDonald's. Not only do they like getting toys with their meal, all the kids love the play structure. We finished up by going to the park for even more play.

The boys and girls played with the new toys and you see Gabriel sporting his batman shirt with cape. Sweet.

After all that, the kids came home pretty exhausted, and we all slouched on the couch and veg'd. Gabriel fell asleep after playing so hard. I think he enjoyed the nap (as did I!).

Our littlest one is growing up so fast! Happy 3rd birthday, Gabriel.

Party for the boys

Since Gabriel and Benjamin have their birthdays so close together, we held a joint party. It simplified the planning since Laura will be at girls camp during their actual birthdays next week.

We had a lady bring by reptiles, which was the highlight of the party. Of course, there was the usual piñata, bounce house, presents, and Laura's signature chocolate cake.

We all had a good time. Laura's cake was peppered with Star Wars figures all looking at a much larger Darth Vador. Since Gabriel constantly sings the Imperial March around the house, we thought we'd continue emphasizing the Star Wars theme. By the way, that's a 5 (Ben) and 3 (Gabe), not 53.

 Benjamin enjoyed the snakes. He said he didn't like the tortoise who was eating all our grass and plants around the yard (they're brand new!).

 Gabriel enjoyed some reptiles more than others. I think the tonge on the monitor was a bit of a fright for him.

This monitor (though that's not the name the handler used) was shedding. The kids thought it was cool to keep the skin. Yuck - it's like hording toe nails.

The turtle just wandered around the yard for most of the party. I shouldn't have mowed the lawn, since the turtle was happy to do it for me. Though, he also got to our strawberry plants.

Perhaps Laura enjoyed the company of the snakes a little too much. She got a kick out of them. The boa's eyes are blue because it is ready to start shedding his skin soon.

Paper plates, paper bowls, and old men's white shirts

Benjamin had a graduation ceremony for his pre-school. We loved this place, mostly because made a bunch of great friends here. They all love to spend time playing together. He complains if he doesn't see them that often. Unfortunately, none of his friends will be attending the same elementary school as Ben. We're a bit sad to see them all go, but that just means we'll have to try extra hard to make sure he keeps his friends close!

Ben's taking his diploma from his teacher, Miss Gail.

Benjamin and Nolan, best friends, singing some songs together. Later on they used their diplomas to sword fight with each other. You've got to love kids who love to fight as if they're in a galaxy far, far away.

Lucky number 7

Happy, happy birthday, Collette! 

When we celebrated with her friends, we brought in a make up artist to do the kids faces. Collette loves animals, and little cute things. So, to get her face painted like a little kitten was a special treat. 

She's making her wishes and blowing out candles like a pro. 

Collette pounding love into a unicorn piñata, which then sheds candy all over the ground. The children are dutifully standing in safety against the wall.

Collette loves being a kitty along with her friends. It seems like they all got nearly the same treatment.

We didn't just have pizza, but also a rainbow of fruit for the kids - Laura put her heart into that decoration. Of course, the clouds are marshmallows.

Who doesn't love a good game of duck-duck-goose? Birthday girl along with Ben are in the center.