Hayden's 9th Birthday Party

The title of this makes me realize that my baby girl is growing up way too fast.  She is such a sweet, intelligent, caring, loving, happy, athletic and angelic little girl.  She wanted to have a big party this year, so I found the perfect place for a cold, rainy February birthday party.....a POOL!  We rented the Morgan County Aquatic Center for her party and in her very own words  "that was awesome best party ever"  then in her own words "thank you Mommy for letting me have a big birthday party".  I told her that we would do anything for her but to make sure she told her Daddy how much she loved it too.  She is such a thankful girl and it makes me so happy that she appreciates what we do instead of expecting us to do things. 

She had a pretty big turn out at the party.  She had so much fun.  There were lots of laughing and squealing.  There were lots of climbing on the inflatable, some were racing, some were just hanging out and some were just being silly.  Colton had a great time.  He was so worn out that he was sound asleep by 6:30 last night.  They all swam hard for close to 2 hours.  After lots of swimming we had cake and they all had two pieces of cake.  This is the first cake that has ever been completely gone at a party.  It was Yummy!  She also got lots of really great gifts including lots of gift certificates.  She wore all of her new earring, necklaces and bracelets today to show off at school.   I am planning to take her shopping on the Monday she is out of school.  She is going to have so much fun! 

Snow World

Sunday we went to Snow World at Lake Lanier. It was so much fun.  Aunt Kim and Uncle Artie and Mimi went too.  The kids were so excited.  The first ride, Colton couldn't do by himself, which did not make him happy.  However, he got to ride with Daddy and Aunt Kim so it was okay.  Gracie had to ride right beside Aunt Kim so that she could hold her tube.  Hayden and Artie had fun riding beside each other too.  Then it was on to some faster rides.  Colton wasn't big enough, so Mark and Mimi entertained him in one of the kiddie play areas.  Artie and Hayden went at the same time and of course Hayden loved it and was ready to go again.  It looked pretty fast and I was a little worried that Gracie may change her mind but she didn't.  Kim and Gracie came down at the same time and Gracie loved it too.  It looked like so much fun that I even gave it a try.  It was fast and fun.  They tried to catch a picture of me but I was too fast for them.  Then it was onto the bigger slides, which even Mommy was chicken to ride.  Hayden, Gracie and Colton were ready to go though.  Colton even got to ride it by himself.  He was such a big boy and smiled all the way down.  Hayden and Gracie were next and were ready to go over and over again.  Colton, did it twice but decided there were too many stairs to climb to go again.  Hayden and Kim did the super fast yellow slide and to my surprise Hayden loved it and did it more than once.  Gracie didn't try the yellow one, she just wasn't quite ready for that.  Then it was ferris wheel time. I rode with Hayden, Kim rode with Gracie and Mark rode with Colton.  Hayden was scared and pretty much said she wouldn't do it again.  It kept stopping at the very top with us.  I must admit I wasn't a huge fan myself, being that I really don't like heights.  Gracie didn't get scared and neither did Colton.  There was also a big huge snowball fight.  Hayden tried really hard to win but I think Artie might have beat her.  It was such a fun day.  Thanks again Mimi and Pop we loved our Christmas present.

After lots of fun we were starving and thirsty, so we headed to have a little Mexican.  It was very yummy and then it was time to head home.  Colton and Gracie fell asleep on the way home.  Hayden stayed awake and read. 

Pajama Day For Hayden

Yesterday, Aunt Linda picked Hayden up from school and watched Colton and Hayden while Gracie and I went to baton.  With that being said, Colton had a busy day yesterday.  He went to school and came home and played hard.  He also spent the afternoon playing outside and riding his bike.  Lets just say that you know you are all worn out when you literally fall asleep playing with your toys.  He is the only one of my kids that can just fall asleep doing anything.  He used to fall asleep eating in his high chair all the time.  However, this is the first time he has ever fallen asleep playing with his trucks, cars and tractors.   He ended up sleeping in that shirt all night because I have learned one thing over the last 9 years....Do not EVER wake up a sleeping baby!

Today is Pajama Day for Hayden.  She was so excited because technically Pajama Day was supposed to end after K5 but the 3rd graders approached Mr. Cloud and asked him if they could wear their pajamas if the whole 3rd grade promised to read 100 books on the same day.  He gladly agreed.  They were so proud of themselves.  So today my almost 9 year old took her pillow, stuffed Monkey and two books to have a very fun day at school.  I am so glad she has a wonderful school and teachers.  It really makes a difference.  Oh and she did pack her bedroom shoes in her book bag. 

Movie Day

Today Mimi and Aunt Linda met us at the Top Dawg Tavern in Bethlehem to eat a pretty good lunch before going to see Paddington.  Of course, just because we had lunch first didn't stop my three from wanting popcorn and drinks when we got to the movie.  Colton ate more popcorn than I think any of us did.  He absolutely loves popcorn.  He must get that from his Mimi.  The movie was a great movie for kids.  Colton even watched the whole movie and followed it.  The best parts were when all three of them would get tickled.  Gracie has a very sensitive tickle box, once she gets tickled she stays that way for a while.   They really enjoyed all of it.  It was a fun day off of school.  Thanks Mimi and Linda, we love you both!

Gracie isn't feeling well.  Imagine that!  I think one of my kids has been sick for months now.  I have said it before and I am going to say it again.  I am ready for SUMMER.  I took Gracie by to see Aunt Kim and so far it is just viral.  Hopefully she will feel much better in the morning.