Happy Birthday Parker!

I'm a bit late in posting about P Diddy's birthday celebration. He turned the big 9 on December 10th. Dylan, Lexi and I joined Parker for lunch at school.

Then Parker showed us his stellar tether ball skills. He spends most of his recess time in tether ball battles. Loves it!




That night we went on a hay ride to see Christmas lights at a city park. Bbbbuuurrrr!

Refreshments were waiting for us inside after the hay ride. Cookies and hot chocolate hit the spot on a cold night!


Also waiting inside, was good ol' St. Nick!

Parker decided he didn't need to see Santa for the third time in one season. Very understandable.

This ski dude was one of Parker's favorite light creations.

After the lights, Parker requested Red Robin's for dinner. YUM!

This MONSTROUS dessert was P Diddy's free birthday treat. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Free, tasty and plenty for all of us. That's a great combination.

After our stomaches were completely stuffed we rolled out to the car and headed home for more birthday fun. Parker opened presents and of course got to throw darts at balloons to reveal what his family loves about him. It's tradition!

As if that wasn't enough partying for one birthday..... A couple days later, Parker celebrated at good ol' Chuck E. Cheese with some friends.

We lived near a Chuck E. Cheese in Colorado so our kids were elated when one recently opened close by. I have to say, it can be a very inexpensive form of entertainment for kids. Also, for parties, you can bring your own cake and decorations. If you plan the party after or before meal times, you can even get away with out buying pizza (are you calling me a cheap-o? Na, just a planner):). Add in token coupons for the games and all this combined makes for an inexpensive birthday party. Plus you don't have the mess in chaos in your home. Love it!

Ok. This is the end of my Chuck E. Cheese plug.

Parker requested this race track for his cake. He hand selected the cars from his own collection.

We love our P Diddy!

Some things about Parker that make me smile:

1. You can always tell when Parker was the last one to use a spray bottle of any type. Rather than the "normal" spray function, the bottle sprays in full force stream mode. Windex, 409 or a water bottle, whatever it might be, he loves the power.
2. Parker really enjoys reading. What parent wouldn't L-O-V-E this trait in their child! Just the other day Parker said to me, "Mom, reading is my favorite thing to do! Oh, wait! Maybe playing games." (As in Wii, computer etc.) " "No, it's reading. Or maybe......" I really don't remember what he finally decided on. But he is definitely a book dabbler.

3. Parker's tender side doesn't come out as often as I'd like. He's more of a loud rambunctious type (I'm not being rude, it's the truth! See number 4). When I do see his tender side, it simply melts my heart. I love that he still likes a bed time song. 99.9% of the time, he requests Rudolph. Yes, as in the red nosed reindeer. He also loves a gentle caressing tickle on his back during his bedtime song. My all time favorite tender moments with Parker, is when he is being a kind and loving brother.

4. Parker's labor and delivery was a scary one. He was in the NICU for 10 days. On a breathing tube for the first bit. Thankfully, he was born to survive. He is stubborn and strong willed. I have to remind myself daily this could be a good thing if channeled in the right direction.

Parker, you make us SMILE.

XOXO