Jackson had an awesome birthday this year! In the morning we let him open a few presents and then Micah took him out to breakfast. That just started the day right for him. He had preschool and was sure he needed to bring one of his favorite snacks to share with everyone, which is mini powdered donuts. School was great and they treated him well there to help celebrate his day. After school we had a few things to get done to prepare for his party – so he played his new basketball and baseball video games while I got to work setting a few things up. I had made a star wars cake for him with an edible printed cake topper like this one the night before (which really was so easy and I would definitely do again), and I followed the instructions that said to cover it so the light didn’t fade the colors, so I gently laid a piece of foil on it for the night. Well, I think they meant put it in a box or something, but don’t lay anything on top of it, even gently… when I went to show Jackson his cake the next morning this is what happened as I peeled the foil off:

Bummer! Luckily it was early in the day and I found a nearby store that had a star wars cake that didn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Then came party time! Jackson had thought about several themes we could do for his party – Star Wars, Sports, Water games,  and then finally he asked to have a water slide like the one we had at a family reunion last summer. We were so glad that some cousins had this slide and were so nice to let us borrow it! It was awesome! Everyone was so excited about it. The weather, of course, had to be a little cooler and windier than it was supposed to be but all the kids would get in for as long as they could last, get out, warm up, and then get back in! It was a lot of good play time. We had the big water slide, beach balls, squirt guns, sidewalk chalk, our play set, etc for them to just play, play, play! After about an hour we brought out the pizza, cake and ice cream, presents and the pinata. We still had about 15 minutes left at the end so we let them play some more – they all were dying to get back to the slide! As parents came I was not as organized as I had hoped, I had tried to keep picking things up and putting things back together, but towels were everywhere, shoes and clothes were everywhere, people’s bags of candy were everywhere – it was quite a site, but amazingly not one thing got left behind! It was a really easy clean up too – just hose everything off and we were done!

Jackson was in heaven! We had the big water slide, a football pinata, star wars cake, star wars table cloth and star wars plates, and regular old “happy birthday” cups, preschool friends and cousins  – it was everything he wanted. Thanks for all the gifts, phone calls, and cards!  There is something so fun about celebrating your child! Its the best to see their little faces so excited and so happy! I love the excitement of birthdays.

I love Jackson. He is really growing up. He is a good helper. He hates hearing Rachelle cry and tries so hard to help with her and make her happy. Most of the time he listens, responds, and obeys. He LOVES church and school and learning in general. He likes to figure things out and teach himself how to do things – like chess and checkers, video games, legos, football and any sport, etc. The other day he sat at the table and wrote 1 – 100 on paper. I was pretty sure he could count that high, but I wasn’t sure about writing.  He is kind of a picky eater, unless I can keep snacks away from him – then he eats almost anything. I’ve even convinced him that he loves spinach! He loves to do things before he is asked and surprise me with the end result. Many of his friends’ parents from school have told me that their little boys talk about Jackson at home all the time and think he is so fun and his teacher has told me he is happy, makes cute and intelligent comments, and a friend to all in class. One of his favorite things to do lately is smiling with crossed eyes – he thinks he’s pretty funny! He is such a great little guy! Happy Birthday Jackson!