First movie!

We are going to the Lego Movie as a family. Novak has never been to a movie before so this will be an interesting experience. 

Nate turns eight! (almost)

We had Nate's birthday party on Sunday, the day before his actual birthday.

CAUTION: Lots of pictures ahead!

I started preparing a few days early (Friday), with cupcake baking and LEGO Man decorations.  Nate had specifically requested LEGO cupcakes with "that LEGO candy on top."  He also requested white vanilla cupcakes.  I figured even I couldn't mess up cupcakes...

Photos of the preparations

Nate, helping decorate the cupcakes.

Looks kind of like a Crayola factory exploded.

This little guy was the main decoration.

LEGO Man "garland" (without ribbon)

For Nate's actual party, I didn't go to too much effort (really!).  We scheduled it for two hours, and let the kids dictate what we did.  Nate had invited seven friends (two girls), and five were able to come.  It was just about the perfect size party.

We did have a "pin the head on the LEGO man" game.

Bella and Nile were closest.

Then, we played a LEGO Building contest.  I basically gave them a tub of bricks and let them build, then each kid won a prize for their creation.  Prizes included:  Tallest Structure, Craziest Creation, Most White Bricks, etc.

After about 40 minutes of playing, the kids were ready for cupcakes and ice cream.

Novak had his later, after he woke up from his nap.  Incredibly, he slept through most of the party (and associated noise and chaos).

I like frosting...

All in all, Nate had a pretty good birthday party.  I am happy that it was simple and easy, and low stress.  And I loved having it at home, it was a bit more work but it was also nice to have everyone come to us.

Birthday Boy.  Is it true he's eight?

Presents from Novak

I'd like to think that Novak left me a little gift to remind me of him as I go to bed.

However, I know that's not quite the case.

Just about every table in our house has a LEGO man on or near it. Novak likes to pick up things (especially LEGO minifigures) and carry them around the house. He will then deposit them wherever he finds the next interesting thing. Here, I'm sure it was my bedside lamp, which he loves to turn on and off (and leave on...).

Novak always has something in his hands. We often find things he has carried into his brothers' bedrooms. Believe it or not, he finds lots of interesting stuff to grab his attention in there!

I think I'll just enjoy this one as another "Novi present."

Nile's Firefighting Rocket Ship

This is Nile's "Firefighting Rocket Ship." This new invention combines the super speediness of a rocket with four powerful jet water blasters and a water cannon.

Note the single seat operation - this machine can be run by a single firefighter.

If the ship catches on fire, the water blasters reverse to put out the fire.

This machine would be perfect for fighting wildfires in the mountains.

Back to school

On Friday, I took Nate school shopping. On the way to the store, Nate told me that he was ready to go back to school. In fact, he told me that even if school started tomorrow, he would be ready to go back now. I love that he enjoys school so much.

While shopping, we found the perfect backpack for him. Plus, it was a steal at $9, so I don't have to worry about it wearing out, which I am sure a $9 backpack will do.

"Mango" Fett

The boys are playing with their Star Wars LEGOs.

Nate has decided that his guys are all on the same team - the "Mango" Fetts. And they all have the same face. I'm assuming they are clones of someone.

I wonder what Jango Fett would think about his brethren.

:)

Oh, and just overheard: "Not Jango, Nile! Mmmm-ango! With an M!"

Star Wars junkie

Nate has become a Star Wars junkie...and I love it!

We've been enjoying watching the movies together.  He loves to see the Death Star explode in Episode IV, but really I think he loves them all equally.

I took this video a while ago (back in mid-March), but I've been meaning to share it.  Finally I get a few minutes on the computer to get it uploaded!

(I have been trying to upload this video for two full days.  You don't know how ecstatic I am that it finally is done.  Really.)