All About This Boy

For the past couple of days, we've been celebrating Henry's first five years.

And, it's been great.

We kicked off his birthday with traditional breakfast and presents in bed.

The birthday boy's request: granola and an apple.

He wasn't really interested in the food as much as the presents.

We spent the rest of the day playing with new toys and getting ready for his Ninjago party.

We baked a cake (Funfetti was his choice) and made a pinata.

Larry's Pizza was Henry's pick for dinner.  And we were pleasantly surprised to find the Hot Springs Larry's even better than the Little Rock Larry's.

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The Party

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We started out with Ninja headband decorating. 

We roasted hot dogs, munched on brownies and chips, and chatted with friends.

Game time was a scavenger hunt for the four Weapons of Spinjitzu.  

Don't know what Spinjitzu is?  Click here.

First, the Nunchucks of Lightning in a tall tree.

Then the Scythe of Quakes, in a deep dark cave/crawl space.

Third, were the Shurikens of Ice, hidden in something that resembles an igloo.

Then, on to find Kai's Sword of Fire.  

After all the weapons were found, the kids had to save Nya from the evil Lord Garmadon pinata.

Cake and presents followed.

I think Henry had a really good time, which was the whole point.  

We sure love this boy.

It's a Dog Party!

Tomorrow is Henry's birthday.  

I can't believe that he is going to be FOUR!  

Hooray for four!

We celebrated early with family and the gang at Larry's Pizza last night for dinner.  It was a double party as our sweet friend Ryli's b-day was yesterday (she turned the big 0-8)! 

 Henry requested Dirt Cake, so that's what he got.  Even if I forgot to bring it and Billy had to run back home in traffic to get it.  And even if I forgot the camera, so I have no pictorial proof .  And even if I forgot a birthday candle.  Lucky for forgetful me, I have a rememberful/sharingful friend who let us borrow Ryli's candle.    

Today, we had a little party with Henry's preschool friends.  He requested a DOG party.  Easy enough, now that we have a dog.

First, we made doggy ears.  

In the midst of our cutting and stapling, one little girl gave herself a haircut (or grooming as we call it at a dog party) with her scissors.  I got a pretty good laugh over the wispy blond curls that fluttered to the floor.  Luckily, her mom is a hair dresser, so she can probably make it work.

We played "Sit" (which is a lot like musical chairs, but without the chairs).

 There were cupcakes that looked like this:

And candle blowing that looked like this:

 And lots of great presents.  We are so lucky to have such generous friends!!  Henry played with all his new toys the rest of the afternoon.

When it was time to go, these little guys went home with our friends:

Henry said it was a "good" party, which is always my goal.

Tomorrow will be a low-key celebration of the actual turning of years for our buddy.  I think breakfast in bed, a new bike and dinner at Cracker Barrel are in order.  

He just loves their peppermint sticks and 

I just love my darling, wonderful, clever, spectacular, fantastic boy!

Home Made Birthday

Lucy got some fabulous handmade gifts for her birthday. Thought I would share...

An Oliver + S Dress (made by Kristin)

Eye Shades-- these were on the top of her wish list (made by Grandma J)

Apron-- another wish list item (made by Grandma J)

Ice Cream Cake shaped like the number 7 (or an L, depending on where you're sitting)

Henry's Birthday Pictorial

Henry's big day started with breakfast and presents in bed. He got his own Leapster (no more borrowing Lucy's!), which he said was, "really neat". Lucy gave him a black dog, which he named "Skittle". There was also a pirate ship and a cow tractor from "Cars".

That afternoon, the gang came over for a "Cars" party. There was lots of racing and possibly a little cheating.

After the races were over, every one came in and cooled off with a little of this:

Then, on to "Pin the Piston Cup on Lighting McQueen". This is where things got a little wild.

A bit of rainbow chip cake with chocolate/sour cream frosting really hit the spot.

He opened some wonderfully thoughtful presents. Henry was in heaven.

We finished his special day with dinner at Cheeburger Cheeburger. Delicious AND served in a box shaped like a roadster! Does it get any better than that?

By bedtime, Henry was in a daze. As I was tucking him in, I asked him what his favorite part of the day was and he said, "The presents.". I've always loved birthdays, but they are exponentially more fun when they are for my kids.

Henry's 3!

Happy birthday to my little buddy!

Today is Henry's 3rd birthday. It's hard to believe that it's been three years since I had a new born in my arms! Even though technically he is far from babyhood, I'm not feeling too infant deprived... he is still in diapers, still takes a pacifier, and still doesn't sleep through the night. But, for all the exhaustion this one has caused, he is worth the weight of my heavy eyelids in gold. Henry is mischievous but quick to say he's sorry. He loves his tummy, face, back, and ears tickled. Can't get enough Medjool dates and tomatoes and anything sweet. He is obsessed with "Cars" and Richard Scary and "hee-hees"-- which is what he calls braziers. He loves babies and dogs. This boy is generous and good at sharing and has a vivid imagination. He spends his days telling me stories about boys who fall off their bikes and bringing me presents with pretend gowns in them (I have no idea where he learned the word "gown"). We sure love this guy. I am so excited to see what the future holds for this very special boy.