Building legos with Baba.

Someone is really tired. 

Play date with my friend's kids, most of it spent at the lego store. He's much more interested now that he plays with them all day. Thankfully he's not begging for any, he's so happy just to look at them. 

Trike-A-Thon

NJ had a fundraiser trike-a-thon at school today. He went on and on about how he tried really hard not to scratch his bike on anything or other bikes and scooters. I wasn't really worried about that, but I guess he was!

"I want some orange because fruit is good for you"

Someone's really enjoying his breakfast.

A spontaneous and quick play date. Us mommies got some much needed caffeine. I'll speak for myself, anyway...

Family devotional time. I found this book a long time ago, but haven't put it to use. A one year devotional for preschoolers. It's really cute and simple. I love the time we're spending together doing meaningful things like this.

"I want to share with you because I want to show you kindness."

NJ loves his food, it means a lot for him to want to share. He was trying to butter me up. He really is sweet about sharing. I love his giving heart. I even got fed some of his Hello Panda treats.
This little one has been really challenging us with his heightened energy, need for attention, and mischief (since turning another year older). He got into quite a bit of trouble early in the day and we were really trying to figure out what to do. After his time out, we asked him what we should do since it doesn't seem like he's listening or changing from day after day of the same thing. He says to us, "You (Baba) and Mama should pray."
Baba- "Pray?"
NJ- "Yes. Ask God what to do. Pray that I be better."
Baba- "Ok, let's pray, then. You pray."
NJ's prayer sounded something like... "Dear Jesus help me to be a better listener, make better choices, and have self control so I don't do bad things but do good things so Mama and Baba don't be sad. In Jesus name, Amen."
Since when did our son become wise beyond his years? Teaching us to pray?

"Nope"

It's a tight squeeze in our garage when we park both cars in there. I'm still getting used to parking next to the big truck. After going out, we pulled into the driveway and I opened the garage. NJ asks me, "Are we parking in the garage?"
M- "Yes. Why?"
NJ- "Be careful. Don't hit the side and don't hit the Toyota and don't go too far."
M- "Ok, thank you."
As I'm adjusting the car to enter the garage, I stop one last time to check how close I am. Just as I pressed my foot to the gas and accelerate forward he says a very decisive and firm, "Nope." I couldn't help but to crack up at the immediate disapproval of not getting my garage entering move right. He's so afraid of me hitting something that it makes me nervous too. Ah, my little back seat driver. That was my dad's term he always used on road trips. Now I have my own.

"When are we having cake?"

Having some fun with his god-sister.

The kids loaded up on pizza, chips, candy, and cake. Then ran around screaming for most of the party!

Some one was very excited to be the last one to hit the pinata before it broke. 

All the girls were excited about bringing home the pink, purple, and princess balloons. All the boys cared about was popping them. We convinced them that they needed to keep them intact until the end of the party. Finally, NJ had his chance. It was quite a show, Baba and I were rolling in laughter that turned into crying. He tried everything to pop it with his body, but it was more like a fight with a balloon that he lost. All the while, another older boy was popping balloons left and right! He finally squeezed the balloon until it slowly deflated. 

This photo caught me by surprise, NJ took my camera to take pictures two or three times. I remember him following our goddaughter around. So it wouldn't seem so creepy, I told him to ask her nicely, "Can I please take your picture?" I heard him ask and she starts to pose. I didn't know he took this great close up of her!

'
Great day spent celebrating our goddaughter's birthday. Spending time with family is always great. We hope to be seeing them more often now that life has calmed down.