The 'Big' Six

Big turned six last Friday. He knows his birthday comes only 9 days after Bud's, but boy did it seem like a looong nine days. We were all excited when the "Big" day arrived. 

It was pretty disappointing to Big that he wouldn't be having a friend birthday party this year, but then he found out that the elementary school would be holding their huge extravaganza on his birthday. It was like Big had the best party ever, without all the planning (or cleanup!). Perfect. 

Pen had a dance rehearsal and Ginger ran off to find her friends, so Rophone and I wrangled the 3 youngest. Big was really hoping that they would have the giant shark blow-up slide like they have for the past few years. When he saw it he was super excited. It's huge (I wish I would have taken a picture of the whole thing)-- the kids climb up the ramp to the side of the shark, enter through the tail and slide down the steep and fast slides, exiting through the mouth. My sister, Opera, mentioned that it kinda sounds like a shark colonoscopy. Kinda.

Anyway, Big absolutely loves it. I think he used about half of his punches doing it over and over. I love his pose in this shot. It cracks me up.

Big's other favorite thing to do is the giant blow-up obstacle course. I just love that it wears the kids out. 

The other kids and Rophone really enjoyed "Big's Party", too. 

After spending a bit of time (long enough) at the Extravaganza, we headed home for presents, pizza, and cake and ice cream. My mom and sister, Opera, met us there. Big got some really great stuff and has played with and read his presents pretty much non-stop since he got them.

I know that was a bunch of pictures, but I'm about to add on a ton more. Big's candle-blowing efforts really cracked me up this year. And alarmed me. He got awfully close. And it didn't even work! Well, not right away, but eventually.

Success! Happy Birthday, Big! We love you.

Oh, and I just have to add on this picture of Big wearing his birthday swag the next day. Stud.

Bud's Baptism

Since Bud celebrated his eighth birthday last Wednesday, it meant that he was old enough to be baptized on Saturday when our stake held baptisms. He was so excited and so, so ready. I don't know what to say about his day other than to say that the Spirit was very strong and that Bud is an amazing boy. Truly amazing. Rophone and I were talking that night and we really don't know how parents like us ended up with a kid like him. Poor guy.  

I forgot my camera, but thank goodness I had my phone to snap a few pre-baptism shots. I could have used the same phone to take a few after-baptism shots, of course, but I forgot. I could say that doing a birthday party and a baptism less than two weeks out of surgery had something to do with it, but that sounds like an excuse. 

Bud's baptism was attended by his Grandma Fish, Grandpa Gorilla, Auntie Opera, Auntie and Uncle Art with their twin boybies, his Primary teachers, a member of the Primary presidency, his school teacher with her husband, and his parents and brother and sisters. It was a nice, intimate occasion. 

After it was all over the family came back to our house for some food. I thought it would be great to have "Snack" along with a few extras. Five kinds of cheese, 4 kinds of crackers, salami, pickles (both dill and sweet), a fruit platter, a veggie platter, and a few sweet breads. It all hit the spot. My dad would have happily snarfed it down. 

I'm so happy that Bud made the decision he did and that we have family who will come show their love and support by being there for him on such a special day. It was great. We love you, Bud, and we're glad you're you!

Eight

Last Wednesday, Bud turned 8 years old. It's amazing how fast the time goes. And yet, as hard as it is to believe he's eight, Bud has been wise beyond his years for his whole life. He's kind of the kid that 'gets it' when it comes to life. Since I've had my surgery he is constantly asking me what he can do to help. What a good kid. 

Bud requested chicken fajitas for dinner. Such a good choice. It was nice that my mom and sister were able to come help a little with the preparations. 

The boys love having their Auntie Opera around. Especially when she showed some interest in dinosaurs. 

After we ate the delicious dinner, we decided to give our stomachs a break before cake. Having Bud open his gifts seemed like the perfect way to fill the time. He was so excited. We thought really hard about what to get for Bud, hoping that each present would be just what he wanted. The way that he took time to investigate every gift as he opened it let us know that we accomplished our goal.

He was really happy with what his grandma got for him, too. He has already worn the shirt and started filling the doodle book. A total score.

He was overjoyed to get "Raisin Bran", as you can see. I love how he plays it up every time. 

I love to see how much enjoyment Bud has been getting out of his gifts. He was so happy to play Rack-O yesterday and has been just devouring his books. He loves having some new additions to his wardrobe, too.

After the present opening it was time for cake. Bud requested something different than his usual favorite lime yogurt cake with blackberry sauce this time around, but I was more than happy to branch out a little. He wanted me to make chocolate cake with whipping cream and raspberries, so I did. A very moist, three layer, dark chocolate sour cream cake, frosted with stabilized whipping cream with smashed raspberries folded in. It was a big hit. (Well, except for with Big. He hates whipping cream and took it as a personal affront that I frosted Bud's cake with something he doesn't like.)

And, as usual, Bud huffed and puffed a bit at the candles. It's so dang cute. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I love the look on his face after his first attempt when he sees that all of the candles are still lit. So adorable.

He got it eventually. 

Yay! 

We really do love you so much, Bud. You're a fantastic and sweet kid and we're so glad you're a part of our family.