Slipping, Sliding, and Splashing

This is what we did today.

Our backyard neighbor friend, Austin, came and joined in on the fun.

I have a feeling Tyson might be pulling out the pool again tomorrow. :-)

2nd and 5th Birthday Photoshoot

As is tradition, we take Tyler and Lydia to get their pictures taken every year around their birthdays.  Aren't they cute!

 (Photo credits - www.ahm-photography.com)

Blast Off to Tyler's 5th Birthday and All the Parties that Come With It!

Happy 5th Birthday, Tyler!  How are you so tall and grown up?  I hate that he is growing up so fast, but I love that he can do so much more to help me (and himself) around the house and out and about.  And that he still sits on my lap and snuggles.  :-) He has been looking forward to this birthday so much.  For the past few months he has come up with several different themes and places he wants to go, more than one present wish list, and stories of, "When I'm 5..."

This was Tyler's very 1st Friends Birthday Party and we had lots planned!  He invited his CTR5 Primary class and his play date buddies.  We were happy when everyone was able to come: Tyler, Lydia (who was thrilled to be included with the big kids), Emmy and Owen, Grace, Ben, Kaden and Kaylee, and Austin.

 These are little space rockets the kids made to hold their pinata candy. 

 The jet rocket pack game was a blast.  Each child wears a rocket pack, races down to a stack of cups, and uses a squirt gun to knock down their tower first.

                    

         

  

Decorate your own cupcake.

 Fun opening presents.

Grandma Joyce demonstrating the pinata blindfold.  Who knew a chef's hat would be perfect for this sort of thing?

                

 Ben having fun.

"Just whack it open Lydia!"  That was one tough pinata.

 Who knew passing out squirt guns while waiting for parents at the very end would be the hit of the party?

After a rest, we did the Planetarium in the afternoon.  One of Tyler's favorite places to visit.

 Waiting for "Perfect Little Planet" to start in the Hansen Dome.

This was a big deal for Tyler.  He had come to see a kids planetarium movie here about a half a year ago and the noise and dome projection scared him so much we left halfway through.  He really wanted to conquer his fear so this is what he wanted to do for his birthday.  He did it!  Halfway into the movie, he leaned over and said, "This is fun!"

 

We kept it simple for Tyler's family party in the evening.  His favorite "Pepper (Papa) John's Pizza", cake, and ice cream.

 Present time!  The sand chompers were a hit.  I liked them because Tyler cleaned chomped up all the garbage after the party. :-) 

                      

 

The many happy and surprised faces of Tyler during gift time. 

            

                      

                       

Meanwhile, Lydia was just around the corner doing this.  Silly girl.

The outer space cake.  (Disclaimer: All planets and stars were washed before being placed upon the cake.)

Yes, those are planets they are licking off.

                                

Tyler and Lydia chilling after a long day of three fun parties.

Happy Birthday, Tyler!  Love you, little guy!