The Party Never Ends

Upon our return home, Jackson had a couple gifts to still receive.  That was one happy boy.  Jill and Ben are the best long distance family members ever.

We came home on Ito's birthday and were so happy mom and dad were able to pick them up on the way home from Palm Springs and bring them back to Acton.  We of course all went out for a celebratory dinner at Miso.

Abuelito is an amazing man.  One that scared me as an infant and now is absolutely adorable with our kids.  I admire many of his qualities and adore most of his stories ;)  I love his prayers and his faith.  We love this man.... 81 and still going strong.

Ok so it's not my birthday but this is just a reminder to me of beautiful friendships.  This gift from Jenny was taken straight off her neck simply because I admired it.  I will forever treasure this necklace.

Saturday I had the chance to attend Tristan's baby shower.  I have been so excited about this cousin coming into our family and so it made it that much more fun to celebrate.  Tristan looked beautiful and happy and the shower was filled with love and gratitude.  Such a great afternoon.

Aunt Jill had her birthday yesterday so it was so nice to visit with her and Ben on Saturday.  It was a crazy day and Annette and Richard were in town so they planned a dinner at Mom Can Cook.  We hadn't seen Jill and Ben since January so this visit was much appreciated.

Sunday we headed back to Acton for Ito's birthday dinner.  It was supposed to be Saturday but because that day was so full, my parents moved it to Sunday.  This was such a relaxing afternoon.  Well, for everyone but dad.  He was nervous about his upcoming surgery :(  But still, we enjoyed crab legs and a million sides and then Andrew made carrot cake and key lime pie and mom made yogurt pie.  All was delicious.

 I can't believe how big these kiddos are getting!

 Because the party never ends, Tuesday I had to drag my butt out the door to do a walk I did not want to do.  I feel like the more I try to loose weight, the more I stay the same.  But nonetheless, one should still aim to be healthy so I have to go no matter what.  I have been doing this for a few weeks now every single day and I enjoy it... for the most part.  Some of these hills really are killers... I mean really, they seem to have killed my right knee :(

I also put off laundry over these five days and just had to catch up yesterday.  It's truly life changing to now have the kids put away their own stacks.  Andi does a lousy job but hey, at least I'm not having to do it.

Today I attended a volunteer's brunch at Pinetree and Michalle was so awesome and watched my kids for me.  I came back to them all painting and was again by her patience and sense of fun.  She's such a fun mom that way.  I clearly don't have that gene.

And lastly, proof the party never ends... 81 and these two were hiking up the hills in Acton today.  That's inspiration!

Unless you just had surgery....

Palm Springs

Grandpa grandpa planned and organized a mini vacay the week of Jackson's birthday.  Yes, I said, grandpa grandpa did this - ALL ON HIS OWN!  We were elated and Jackson kept saying we were going to Hawaii.  I showed him pictures of the resort and his mind was made it, it was Hawaii!  

Thursday morning we headed out first thing so we could enjoy as much of the day as possible considering we were checking out the following afternoon.

 Once in the town of Indian Wells, we met up with grandpa for a much needed and much enjoyed lunch.  This mall was so high end surely our children were the only ones around.  Maybe even within a fifty mile radius.  No complaints here.

One of the many reasons I love Jackson: exibit A

He packed the night before our trip and remembered to grab his bag of money.  This baggy has accompanied us on the last few trips "just in case we need something".  I truly feel it's important for the kids to understand our situation to some degree but I feel we won't know until twenty years from now if we let him in too much.

As soon as we arrived at the resort, we changed and headed down to the pool.  At this point, Cole was still content sitting on the side on the pool which I love because it makes my life easier.

Andi can swim for hours.

Well, until she takes a break to go visit "grandpa's friends".

My husband apparently does not understand what it's like taking four kids to the pool all summer on your own - nope, he mustn' considering he convinced Cole to fall in love with jumping into the pool.  Yeah, thanks a lot! 

The jacuzzi was stifling to me and I couldn't even bare to get in there.  I don't know how they all handled it.

 During the week Jackson is very tired from school.  So I think being that and being so hot, he was pooped out rather early.  He relaxed on the lounge chairs while others continue to swim.

Eventually, Ryan, grandma and Andrew were done as well so they all headed to the room.  Cole, Andi, grandpa and I stayed in the pool and enjoyed our virgin miami vice.  Ooohh it was SO good.  Just ask Cole!

 That night we headed out to find somewhere for dinner and most were quite pleased with this diner type place we found.  I'll tell ya, it was the best strawberry shake I've ever had.  I just couldn't believe Cole fell asleep on the way there and then stayed asleep even as we entered and sat in the restaurant.

 Once back at the resort, the kids and Andrew played some bocci ball before we went up to get ready for bed.

Breakfast was back at the diner and who would have guessed, dad actually got that boysenberry cobbler he's been asking for for years.

We were able to swim again before our noon check out and it was so enjoyable.  Sometimes you just need to get away and we're grateful to grandma and grandpa for making that possible.  I swear we wouldn't have half as much fun as we do these days if it weren't for them.

Jackson - 7 years old

Jackson you inspire me to be better.  You watch everything, hear everything, and seem to even know everything.  I have no doubt God has something tremendous planned for your future.  The other day I was watching a popular video on Facebook and I found it rather moving as it was about a teenager and the way he lived his life after finding out his cancer was terminal.  You came over and put your arm around me without even knowing why I was upset.  You stood there and watched, and absorbed and comforted.  You're my hero.

This morning on our way to school you said a prayer, like we do every morning before school, but today there were a few more things in there I hadn't heard before.  "Please feed the homeless" and "Thank you for mom and dad's example please help us to be better" and "Thank you for our health".  The funny thing is last night I prayed and asked the Lord to help me be a better example.

Answers at age SIX!
*13, 14, 18, 20 & 21 are the only answers that did not change from last year.

1. What is your favorite color? turquoise

2. What is your favorite toy? toy weapons

3. What is your favorite fruit? apples

4. What is your favorite tv show? super hero shows

5. What is your favorite movie? Wall E

6. What is your favorite thing to wear?  swim trunks

7. What is your favorite animal? cheetah

8. What is your favorite song? Happy Birthday on channel 4

9. What is your favorite book? Space books

10. Who is your best friend? Gunner

11. What is your favorite snack? watermelon

12. What is your favorite drink? root beer

*13. What is your favorite breakfast? waffles

*14. What is your favorite lunch? cheeseburger at In-n-Out

15. What is your favorite dinner?  breakfast

16. What is your favorite game? Age of Mythology (last year he didn't know the actual name of this game)

17. What is your favorite thing to play outside? Soccer

*18. What is your favorite holiday?  Christmas

19. What do you sleep with at night? my big bear

*20. What do you want to be when you grow up? an agent 

*21.  What do you love about dad?  He lets me stay up and watch shows while mom is gone in the night.

22.  What do you love about mom?  She tries to help me get ready for school on time.

Like every year, you woke up to a "birthday bedroom" on the day of your birth.  The funny thing is this year you were real concerned the night before.  You didn't see any balloons anywhere and were wondering how in the world your room was going to get decorated that night.  Jackson, you truly worry too much!!  Have you ever been a child?

 You have a primary teacher that you absolutely love right now and she loves you.  She takes any chance she can get to sing your praises.  I'm glad you like her just as much.  The morning of your birthday, she had stopped by around 5:30am and left a surprise for you on our doorstep.  You couldn't believe it!

 After school we picked you up along with a few of your friends to go celebrate at Chuck-E-Cheese.  I was so hoping you didn't want to go there because you know how I feel about that place, but like Ryan, you desperately wanted to go.  I'm sure you would have loved to have had all your friends there in the car space permitted.  But seriously, that was the loudest car drive I have ever experienced in my life.  You were all having a blast.

Once dad arrived, we were able to get some tokens and let you all run wild.  These tokens ran out much faster than they did with Ryan's friends - just another sign of how old you're getting.

 This photo ride wasn't working properly and you were upset.  I am so proud of you that when I told you to handle it, you did.  You walked right up to the desk and spoke very politely to the employee helping you.  You were able to express your concern and he willingly came over to try to fix the problem.  That trait right there will truly help you in life.

 When it came time to dance, you all got into it.... well, except for Jessica.  So maybe you're not as old as it feels!

 Cashing out the tickets was such an ordeal - life or death decisions here; it was hilarious.

 It was so cute just how excited your friends were to give you their gifts.  This is such a great age.

We took everyone home at about 4:30pm and headed home to get your siblings so we could all go out to dinner.  Thankfully grandma shopping took Andi, Ryan and Cole so you could have your time with your friends.  As always, you were all so happy to be reunited.  Cracks me up how you guys act as though you have been apart for years.

Dinner was at Kisho's - you wanted sushi and so I thought Kishos would be a fun twist on our normal sushi dinners.  I was right - but you already know mom's always right ;)

You all had so much fun watching the food be prepared and you all devoured everything that was placed onto your plate.  We all loved watching you enjoy your evening.

 The birthday hat was a hit with you and you even asked the hostess if you could keep it.  Sadly, no, so I guess we'll have to go back on another birthday!

Look around, Jackson, these people are some of your biggest fans!

 We hung out right outside the restaurant so you could open your gift from grandma and grandpa.  Your siblings seemed to enjoy it all just as much as you did.  I'm so grateful you embrace them and don't push them away.  You're the best big brother.

Once home, FINALLY, you went on a scavenger hunt to find your birthday gift from us.  Worked out nicely that we had just went to the beach because you then knew exactly what you wanted for your birthday!

We love you, bud, and really couldn't have asked for a better first child.  Truly I don't know what I'd do without you.