Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Hunter's Birthday Party

FIVE!!! My baby is five, in a flash! His birthday party was great. We went to the Village Fire Department for a tour of the firehouse. Then, walked across the street to play at the park. The firemen were amazing and so generous! The kids loved the tour and were so well behaved! The firemen showed them the trucks, ambulance, fireman suit, and discussed many fire safety tips. We all learned a lot! 
Scott made prior plans with the pizza place to pick up the pizza. He told them that he would be there at 9:15 (before they opened, but had plans to meet the manager.) Well, NO ONE WAS THERE! Scott called me 30 minutes before the party..."Bran, what's plan B for food?!" Well, I had no plan B! So in a hurry, Scott picked up Chick-fil-a breakfast biscuit sandwiches and a box of chips from the grocery store! He made it to the party on time, and things went off without a hitch! 
Our 5th grade neighbor, Ellie, made the cupcakes. She has a little baking business, and I love to support her dreams! She made "fire themed" cupcakes and a special minion cupcake for Hunter and Trent. She worked hard, and they were precious!! Hunter loved that Ellie made them, he adores Ellie! Such a sweet, personal touch to his party!
Hunter is kind of in a transition place of friends right now. My friends kids, which he has grown up with! His church school friends. The neighborhood kids. And now his Rummel Creek friends! So, we did the best we could do to cover all bases and still keep it a smaller/manageable group! He is such a social guy, he loves people! I have a feeling that he will always be surrounded by friends, which is such a blessing that I am grateful for! 
It was a great party. Hunter loves minions, so there were plenty of minion decorations at the party. I kept it all pretty simple. It was perfect! The weather was unbelievable!!!! It was like 78 degrees, breezy! We couldn't have ordered better weather. Successful party, great memories!
Somehow his 2nd and 3rd birthday parties didn't make it on the blog! So, here is a quick recap. His 2nd birthday...we were staying at my dads house while our home was getting worked on. Hunter woke up to a decorated doorway and Pardner's french toast! My dad makes amazing "snow toast!" Then, we ended the day with a dance party! Hunter has always been so joyful, and I love this picture of us dancing. His joy is contagious! Then his 2nd birthday party was a "dirt and worm" theme because he LOVES outdoors. We had pancakes at the park! My sister made his dirt and worm cupcakes, the details for the party were adorable! We crushed Oreos to make "dirt!" We put "dirt" in mason jars with gummy worms in them. It was a precious party, and Hunter had a blast! Trent was just 2 months old!
His 3rd birthday party was at covered park, which is still one of his favorite parks! We did a super hero theme. My cousin painted these super hero cutout's ! He also made the super hero buildings, which held the donuts and cupcakes! Hunter's shirt had a cape on it! He had a great time running and acting like he had super powers! I was about 10 weeks pregnant with Faith Ann, and Trent was 14 months old. Busy times!! This was such a "boy party," and it was very memorable!
Hunter has had some wonderful parties! I have enjoyed each one. His 5th birthday was no exception! This was a big birthday! A big year! He is a big boy, and his fireman/minion party was very special. He is growing so quickly, and changing so much. But, one thing that hasn't changed a bit is his joyful smile! I love this boy!

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Happy 5th Birthday, Hunter

5 years ago, you made me a mother! Happy birthday sweet boy. You are the most joyful person I know. You truly live in the moment. You love each and every moment. Your excitement and love for life is so admirable! Your smile radiates happiness. Your soul exudes confidence and spunk! So much of you reminds me of my mom, Zsa Zsa. She had a contagious energy. You do too!! Your presence fills the room with joy.

 
You had your class party on Friday at school. You wanted "minion rice krispy treats." So, I got precut minion cookies, baked them, put frosting on the back and attached them to rice krispy treats! You were over the moon! After school, you ran off the bus to tell me "thank you for the coolest dessert ever!" You get so excited about the small details in life, which is such a precious way to view life! You don't take any moment or anything for granted!
You woke up this morning to a scavenger hunt that uncle Greg set up for you. It was so much fun! He sent you all over the yard, ending at your present! He got you an American Ninja Warrior thermos, which you are so excited to take to school tomorrow! Then, you ordered chocolate pancakes for breakfast!
After church today, we went to Build a Bear. You have been wanting a stuffed minion! One of your favorite neighbors, Viviann, gave you a Build a Bear gift card for your birthday. You were beyond excited to go!! Squeezing my hand tighter and tighter the closer we got to the store. Jumping with a huge smile. Gigi gave you your first wallet for your birthday with some money in it. You were so excited to use that money to go towards your minion. You were full of pride and joy, with your Ninja Turtle wallet in your hand the entire time!
Then, you came home and played with neighbors and your new minion! Trent got a stuffed dog that he named 'Peanut Butter.' You both had a blast! You love to share big moments with your brother by your side. Trent is your comfort. Trent is your biggest supporter and cheerleader! He was telling everyone at church..."hey, it's Hunter's birthday!" Your friendship continues to amaze me! You and Trent are the example of unconditional love! Of course, sissy was right behind you trying to get in the middle of all the fun! We had a sibling photo session, which made me laugh so hard! You are such a rule follower that was smiling in every picture! Faith Ann is such a free spirit full of personality, she was making it "The Faith Ann Show!" And Trent is such a gentle soul, he was trying to make me happy but was ready to move on!
Hunter, you leave me speechless...mainly because you talk so much that I am literally speechless! Haha, but for real...I am speechless at how much I love you! You are quirky, funny, spunky, confident, sincere, loyal, loving, adventurous. But, the word that describes you the most is JOYFUL! Hunter, you are my joy! I love you!

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Trent's 1st Day of School

The day has come! The day that my sidekick goes off to school. Trent has been by my bud, inseperable for 3 years. I am very happy with my decision to keep Trent home with me as long as I did. But, it's time for him to spread his wings!
Yesterday was his first day at MDUMC 3 yr old class. He is going 2.5 days a week. This is the same school that Hunter used to go to, so Trent is already comfortable with the teachers, etc. On our way to school, he told me that he was going to run away from school- with a pouty look on his face! So, I was a little nervous how he would react when I left him. But, he did great! He walked right in, gave his teachers their 1st day of school treats, hung his backpack, gave hugs and joined the class! Just like that...he is a big boy!
Scott came with us as we dropped Trent off at school. Scott doesn't want to miss any milestones. And Trent's 1st day of school is a big milestone! Scott is such a good daddy, and he makes life very special for our children!
We walked Hunter to the school bus stop, then took pictures of Trent at home. Trent was so proud of himself! He said he wants to be Superman when he grows up!! Sweet boy, I hope that all your dreams come true! We all walked into school together. Then, Scott got in his car. Then, I got in my car with just Faith Ann. Bittersweet moment for me! For the first time ever, alone with just my sweet girl!! We had a great day. But, I missed my baby Trent! That boy holds a special place in my heart!
I am very proud of Trent. This is his time to shine! The rest of our days have been filled with school bus stops, playing, outside time, and tonight is Hunter's first soccer practice. Scott is the assistant Coach, of course, he doesn't want to miss a thing! So, Scott will be getting home soon for us to head to the soccer fields! Big memories the past couple weeks, and many more to come!