A Wonderful Sunday Afternoon With Friends

Yesterday we visited Princeton, Missouri, to see Chuck and Erin and their kiddos. We're so excited that they only live 2 hours away now! It was a beautiful day - we celebrated Zachary's 4th birthday and watched the boys and Emma run around outside.

Look Dad! A hamster wheel!

Roundin' up the boys for a picture - Little Emma was smart to stay away!

The Next Tony Hawk?

So David and I just couldn't deny Jack's request to get a skateboard for his birthday. All summer long Jack has been pining for one while watching the older kids in the neighborhood master tricks on their own skateboards. The vision in my head of Jack wearing grunge-like clothing complete with low-hanging, baggy pants and covered in scrapes and bruises (my vision of a skateboarder - as stereotypical as it might be) kept my resistance strong all summer long. After all, he is only five years old. But he really wanted one, and who are we to deny a potential prodigy of his skateboard? (We did decide to deny him a real electric guitar - his other passion - at least until Christmas.)

Now that you know this decision didn't come easily, we'd like to present to you the next Tony Hawk... Moments after opening this much-anticipated gift Jack immediately took to trying out tricks that I'm sure he's been practicing and perfecting over and over in his head for months. And the next day, he showed David and me some of his "new moves" on our driveway. I have to admit he looks good on a skateboard. I also have to admit my delight in the fact that the skateboard has stayed mostly put in our garage since the newness has worn off.

Arghh Matey!

Pirates raided our house last night as Jack celebrated his 5-year birthday with friends. Jack showed me how much he really is growing up - he set the table for his party, decorated his own cupcakes, and even helped me vaccum a little bit. Judging by all of the high-pitched squeals and laughter, we've determined the party was a success.