Jacob's 6th Birthday - Super Mario Party

Jacob LOVES Super Mario and everything to do with this fun game - so we had to give him a Mario party. This was the first party we have had - where we invited other kids besides family. There were 12 kids invited - from daycare, church/community group, Jim's work, and cousins. Here are the boys in the kitchen before the party - with some of the decorations - and Jacob is in his Mario PJs.

The cupcakes were decorated like the mushrooms from the game - along with white M&Ms for the dots. Jacob looking intently at it as we began singing to him.

Blowing with all his might to extinguish the one candle.

We got a bounce house for the event - along with playing some games. Jim made PVC blow guns to shoot marshmallows at the evil Mario figures attached to plastic cups. We also had a "yoshi" egg hunt with gold coins inside (which we are still finding around the house!). Jacob got some great gifts - here he is with his guitar. He loves playing it - and making up songs.

Singing another song - for my listening pleasure.

He got Old Navy clothes from his aunt and uncle in Texas. He looks great in them. Although when he opened the gift, he was less than excited about clothes. I guess clothing at this age is kinda a present for the parents :).

Last year, Jim and I put together all of the legos that Jacob received for Christmas - and then Jacob would play with them until they busted apart. This year - he got some legos for his birthday - and he actually put most of it together himself. Our lil boy is growing up!

Soccer 2010 - U6 - Dragons

Jacob played his final year on an U6 (under 6) team this year. Our team was much smaller - last year we had 12 players - and everyone typically played 1/2 a game. This year we had 9 - and often 1 or more kids were absent - meaning most of the kids played the entire game. Jacob did better this year - was more interested in playing - but still got distracted often.

Here he is taking a much needed water break.

Levi just being cute - watching his brother. Levi was able to practice a few times with the team - and he was all in the middle of it. He will be ready to play on his own team next year.

Jacob loved playing goalie. We are not quite sure if he liked the position - or just the fact that he didn't have to run up and down the field!

At attention ready for the ball. His teammate Collin was great - one of the younger ones on the team - but you can definitely tell he will be good as he gets older.

Making a goal kick after a save as goalie.

Another goal kick in action.

Waiting for the action to come his way.

The team waiting for a kick off - Jacob is on the right.

Jacob in the middle of the action - with the ball. This didn't happen very often - so excited when he actually engaged and had fun with it.

Mr. Goalie with his batman cap.

Kicking off the ball - great action shot.

How cute is this - Jacob is number 5 next to his friend Joshua. We are not sure Jacob is destined for team sports - but we are going to try t-ball/baseball this year too. It is great experience to be a part of a team - and want to continue to encourage him in different areas to help him find his niche.

Halloween 2010

In trying to prepare this year, I asked the boys who they wanted to be for Halloween. They both said Darth Vader. After purchasing the costumes about a month early, I asked them again (why you ask - now I am not really sure). At this point, Levi said he wanted to be a spider.....later told me a witch.....and Jacob said Mario......or Kick Buttowski. Well - we broke out the Darth Vader costumes so they could try them on - and hopeful that it would solidify them. It worked - they were excited to be Luke's father.....

Levi tired of his mask quickly - but here he is - crooked mask and all - with his eyes peering through.

Jacob giving me some great action shots with the light saber.

We went to the harvest festival at our church first - with games and lots of candy - and then walked around the neighborhood with friends (daycare peeps). MacKenzie and Levi were so cute - holding hands almost the entire way. She was taking care of him :)

Here is Molly - all smiles - cruising along with the kids.

My mom and dad came by before we went out - and ate with us and saw the boys off for their night of adventure. We walked around for about an hour and a half - and got SOOOO much candy.

When we got home, I had got some candy so the boys could hand some out - they love that. Well - it was so close to bedtime - we only opened the door a few times and it was time to head off to bed. So - Jim put the candy on the porch. I thought we should put a sign on it - to take a few pieces. Well - 10 minutes later - the full bucket of candy was GONE! At one point - I looked out the peephole with all of the commotion - and there was kid after kid after kid coming to the door. It might have been a good thing we weren't home for the majority of the night - mighta ran out of candy early.

Molly's 1-Year-Old Pebbles Party

Molly had her 1 year old party on October 16th. She is our daycare's youngest daughter - and the boys just love her. She partied in Flintstone style.

Jacob enjoyed playing in the bounce house - here he is a bit overheated.

Levi was a bit shy about the bounce house - but had fun with finding the candy and treats from the pinata.

It was a beautiful day for an outdoor party. Time sure flies by - we will blink and she will be turning 2.

Fire Department Open House - October 2010

Our local fire department has a yearly open house - with free hotdogs, punch, bounce house and activities for the kids. We were able to stop by after one of Jacob's soccer games. Here are the boys after getting some balloons.

Jacob had a turn using the fire hose.

Getting a wide spray.

Levi using his muscles on it.

The water feels funny.

Jacob sliding down the large blow-up slide. Levi is not very fond of these large ride on toys. He prefers not to jump in a bounce house - or go on this slide.

We look forward to next year - and maybe Levi will be more adventurous and ready to enjoy all that it has to offer.

All Ready for Bed

Levi is about ready to be done with naps - so when he does nap - he has lots of energy at night while he is supposed to be going to sleep. He goes through several changes of jammies - and often dons footwear. Here he is - passed out on his bed - after removing his shirt and putting on some "new to him/hand me down" tennies that were in his closet. Oh - silly boy....

Big Kid Desk

One of my good friends gave me a desk that she used as a child. We painted it and replaced the drawer handles - and put it in Jacob's room after he started school. After getting a cool chair from IKEA - look at the studious student now!

He loves school - and enjoys doing most of his homework. Although - numbers and letters are not his favorite...

Here he is working on some more homework. Isn't he the cutest thing?

He now has a lamp on his desk too - and he is able to store all of his prized possessions in his desk drawers.

Thank you Jen for this cool desk - that is getting some good use 30+ years later. They don't make desks like these anymore!