Andrew’s birthday started bright and early at 6:00am. He woke up, showered, then wrapped himself in a blanket and sat in the rocking chair singing, “It’s my birthday! It’s my birthday!” It was an adorable way to wake up…but a little panicky too when I realized he woke up before my 6:15 alarm…which means the house wasn’t decorated for his birthday yet. He didn’t seem to care…he just wanted to get this party started! I threw on clothes and the two of us headed out to Krispy Kreme to get his 3 free donuts. This really is the most important part of the birthday and one he has looked forward to since he watched Ben in November.
He got in the car and started chowing away. He was so thoughtful with his three free donuts…he chose one he liked, one for Ben, and the last one for Kallie. It was adorable. Then he asked if I was going to pay him for getting those three for free. My little money man.
We got home and to my surprise Zack was awake and waiting for Andrew’s party too. He was very excited about the donuts we brought home…and angry we didn’t take him with us.
After getting Ben and Kallie off to school (Ben was furious at me for making him go on ANDREW’s birthday), Andrew announced the next item on his birthday list was a bike ride. So Christopher and I got the bikes out and off we went for a little ride down the arroyo.
We had to rush back because the next time on his list was a movie. So we quickly got dressed, rushed into the car, and made it in plenty of time to play games at the theater…something I didn’t know he had planned on…tricky kid.
Christopher showing off his awesome, new, FREE shirt from his latest conference in Denver. Why do they give these guys super bright shirts?! He loves it…
Zack spent his whole time on this car driving game. We played multiple times without spending a dime! I love this age when they think they are playing the game…but actually it’s just the ad running over and over.
Motorcycle Andrew…
Game got a little boring for him before it was over…so Christopher hopped on and had a blast…obviously…
Next on the list was popcorn and a slushy. Of course Zack needed one too. Aren’t they adorable?!
We saw Paddington which was cute. Not my favorite, but the boys loved it.
Next on Andrew’s list was pizza at Dion’s. So we left the movies and headed right to pizza.
The boys watching while they make our pizza…
Andrew thought it would be fun to try straight hot pepper flakes…
Letting it simmer….
Mouth on fire…not a fan…
After a pizza lunch, where too many straw wrappers were flying across our table…and Andrew declaring after two bites, “I’m done! Time to head to Chuck E Cheese!!” We headed home. “Zack” needed a nap….aka Mom.
While I stayed home and took a nap with Zack, Christopher picked the big kids up from school and took the three older kids out bowling….another item on his list.
On the way home Christopher found out what was making the clicking noise when we drove….a massive bolt with the washer still on it. He really should be more careful when he drives…
Chris came home dead on his feet. Andrew was still ready to roll! He came bounding in ready for Chuck e Cheese! Thankfully I was recharged, Zack was awake so Chris and I traded…he slept..I took the four kids to Chuck e Cheese.
I didn’t see the kids pretty much the whole time. Andrew grabbed his cup of coins and quickly earned a ton of tickets…had to make sure he got enough for the good prizes, before he could have “fun” and play “games” aka…not big ticket earning games.
I have no idea what Ben did…he watched Zack while I took a few pictures..then was off.
Zack was a breeze to watch. He found this blue police car and claimed it as his own. I think I spent at least $7.00 in tokens on this one stupid car.
Then he found this tea cup ride…another $7.00….
He was shocked when he realized it TURNED! He made Kallie and Andrew get in too…we couldn’t find Ben.
I love that they all got together and decided to spend the last token on this picture of the four of them. My favorite thing.
We then took another 20 minutes picking out prizes, only to get in the car and have Zack flip out because he didn’t get the same toy as Ben and Andrew. It confirmed that it was truly time to head home.
When we got home Andrew wanted to then go out to dinner. Everyone was so tired (except Andrew) that I realized that was not going to be a good idea. Thankfully we had a whole pizza Andrew didn’t eat at lunch, so that was dinner. He then wanted to watch a movie..so we did…and they all crashed before it was over.
He kept us moving all day that we didn’t even have time to have cake, do his treasure hunt, or any of our other traditions. I think he just wanted to stretch his birthday out. So we’ll call this “Andrew Birthday, Part 1”
Kallie has loved being in ballet this year. She loves Mrs. Carrie and all the girls she gets to dance with. They are getting all ready for their recital next weekend. She can’t wait to dance Tiger Lily from Peter Pan! Isn’t she beautiful?!?!
I have the hardest time getting Ben to smile…like a real smile. Today while they were messing around at Andrew’s end of year soccer party (post coming soon) I captured this beauty. I might have to blow it up huge and frame it…everywhere. (Dad, yes I know he really really needs a haircut…but he’s 11 and asserting his independence…..and teaching me patience in the process)
