Birthday Magic

Parker turned seven earlier this month.  As per usual, we packed our day with birthday fun. 

After opening presents and fulfilling a birthday breakfast request, we spent the rest of the morning putting together Lego sets and practicing magic tricks (Grandma Benson sent him a magic set for his birthday and I hate to brag, but I'm pretty sure I'm the best magician in the house).  

 

(Chief apparently wanted to be next...he must have known we missed his birthday.)

Then I whipped up some cow costumes (thanks to Autumn and her generous donation of a lifetime supply of felt) and we headed to Chik-fil-a for cow appreciation day. (I'm ticked I didn't take any pictures.) Then off to Target for more Star Wars Legos courtesy of Grandma and Grandpa Smith. 

We hustled home to change for a trip to Zoombezi Bay. (No pictures again...who wants to worry about a camera at a water park?)  I've always been hesitant to take the kids to a water park so young, but it was a blast.  Parker was tall enough for every water slide.  And Reid could ride a few.  But they were mostly content to shuffle between the wave pool, the lazy river and the kid section.

We came home for some late night cake and sparklers left over from the 4th. 

 

(50 points to anyone who can tell me which location from Star Wars Parker requested for a birthday cake.)

Parker is everything you would hope for a seven year old to be.  He's a very bright kid and can apply his smarts to all parts of his life.  He's observant, inventive, and precise.  He's helpful at home...even when I don't ask it of him.  And I can always count on him for a job well done.  He's a responsible kid with all the traits of an oldest child. I love watching him grow up. 

Do you remember?

Y'r'member when I used to be a regular in the blogosphere?  That was awesome. (To be read like Chris Farley in this interview)

I've been trying to figure out why I used to blog so often and now I can't seem to make time for it, even though I still love it. I came up with a few things.

One, I'm busy.  Who isn't? And to top it off my kids are past napping age now.  Bummer.  Big time.

Two, my kids are growing up (hence the no naps).  Park turned seven last week and Gray is almost four.  That's right my friends, my baby is almost four.  Reid is sandwiched right in between at five and a half.  I realize that's not so old, but old enough that we go about our daily business without any blog-worthy catastrophes.  We can hop in the car and all three kids can buckle their own seats belts.  My purse is just a purse...no wipes, no sippie cups, no fruit snacks.  There have been a couple times this summer I've braved taking all three kids grocery shopping... an outing I would expect to generate a great story.  Nothing.  We went, we shopped, we left.  That doesn't make for a good blog post at all.  I used to turn to my kids for inspiration for writing.  Now I'm lacking that inspiration.

Three, I'm a happier person these days...which is a direct result of number two (not that number two, the other number two).  I can't tell you how happy I am not to have really little kids anymore.  I went through quite a dark phase.  It lasted about three years...and by dark I mean I really struggled to get out of bed.  I didn't want to face my days.  I spent too much of the past three years in tears.  I think I'm coming out of it.  I haven't had that kind of a breakdown in months and it feels good.  I'm glad my kids are growing up.  I think when I was depressed I needed blogging...it helped me focus on the good and the funny in my rough days.  Seriously, I think blogging really helped me make it through. I don't need it like I used to. I love it, but don't need it...making it fall lower on my priority list. (Also, I hate to admit this, but more time with my family and less time on the computer contributes to my happiness.)

Four, my camera is failing on me.  I'll try to catch up on summer fun at some point, but pictures will be limited.

One of these days I'm going to think up something great to write about (and find the time to write about it) and it's going to knock your socks off.