The birthday party

The boys had a great time with some of their friends and family on Sat.. Hayden's friends that came were Vienna, J.J., Harrison, Zane, Grace (well, Grace was Connor's friend too!). Connor had Nikki Bowman from church and Will and Ewan were there too but didn't do too much because their just barely one. The first activity was a type of pin the tail on the donkey only it was Spider-Man and Elmo. Then we had the kids make necklaces out of Fruit Loops, and then had a contest to see who could eat them the fastest. Harrison won, Vienna and Hayden tied for second. But they all did a pretty good job. It was fun to watch them. Hayden requested a red velvet Spider-Man cake, Connor got a strawberry Elmo cake. After they ate cake and opened the presents from their friends (which they loved them all-Thank you!), we went outside in the oppressive heat to bust open the Pinata and then get in the pool. Only the kids had their swimsuits on, but I guess Josi looked really hot because Dave decided to throw her in the pool without her permission! She got out right way but at least she was cooler than the rest of us! I suppose this is going to become a tradition because last year at the party Mike decided to throw me in the pool (with my cell phone in my pocket!). Ewan decided he was going to bond with nature (with a little help from his Daddy). Jamie took it really well. As soon as she saw him she got out her camera. That's what you always do as soon as something happens, isn't it?! Connor got a really cute tricycle from my parents which he loves because he can reach the peddles. After the party we met Jamie, Andy, Dave, Josi and the kids up at Laurel Lake to cool off a little more and let the adults swim. Actually, Dave and Andy were going to go kayaking, but they got stopped by the park ranger for not having proper registration so they had to take the boats out. We felt really bad for them.

By the time we got home and had dinner, I was tired. I was glad the next day was Sun. and we were going over to my parents for dinner. A day of rest! No more birthday parties for another year!

Hayden turns 6

So many personalities!

Each year when we go to the beach I take time to contemplate things. I always write a letter to Hayden for his birthday about how he has changed in the past year. I always put this letter in the scrapbook, but I thought this year I would also post in on my blog.

Hayden-I can't believe how much you have changed this past year. It seems like you've grown about 5 inches, you seem so tall and your legs are so long.

You grew a lot in preschool this past year and are ready to head off to kindergarten (I can't belive I'm a mother of a 6 yr. old!). Your math skills are amazing-you can already do a lot of addition and subtraction (in your head!) and you are fascinated with learning. You've even gotten excited about reading. We've started reading longer chapter books to you like Beverly Cleary's Henry Huggins and Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh. You are really enjoying that. Your coloring and drawing skills are incredible, you have such an imagination! I hope you keep drawing and don't get the fear that it's not good enough. You are also very witty.

You've also learned a lot about money this past year. I think you're learning the value of it. I'm impressed at how well you can count money already and it's exciting to see you work so hard to earn it. You've been helping us clean the bathroom and just last week you got excited about doing the vaccuuming. It's especially nice right now while Mommy is pregnant!

Your favorite thing right now is Spider-Man (along with every other 5 and 6 yr. old!). Sometimes you talk about other super heroes, but it's mostly just the red and blue guy. Your birthday party will be Spider-Man and that's all you asked for as a present.

You are such a great big brother. You are always helping Connor to do something and most of the time you guys do well playing together. It's cute to hear and see you guys scream and run around and jump on couches together. Connor really looks up to you and I know your new brother or sister will also. You are a great example to them.

Primary has been a wonderful experience for you. There are several songs that you have dubbed your favorites and you always remember what you learn in your class. When we read the scriptures together or have our home evening lesson, you often can tell the story before we read it. I can tell your little testimony is growing and I am grateful for that. You will need it as you go off to school and have to make good choices on your own without us there. Your dad just gave you a blessing to start school and one of the things he mentioned was that you will be a leader and an example to the kids around you.

One of your big accomplishments from last year happened at the beach this week. You realized how much fun it is to get in the ocean and jump in the waves-what a breakthrough!

I look forward to this next year of growth and accomplishments, I know there will be many. You are at an exciting time in your life when you start to realize how much there is to learn. I love you more each day and am so grateful to be at home to spend them with you.

Love, Mommy