Make-up Birthday

Jack informed me of something called a "make-up birthday." It's when your birthday does not land on a weekend, holiday, or summer break. One must have a day to celebrate without interference of school. Therefore, Jack's make-up birthday was yesterday.

He had a list of things he wanted to do. We couldn't do them all...but we did go to Panera for breakfast and Red Lobster for dinner. Oddly enough, his "day" was focused mostly on food. :) Jack's tradition since moving here is to eat Red Lobster. It's not my favorite restaurant at all. Not in the least, actually. But, it's what it is for Montgomery. We've been there three times now. Once when he turned 7, once when he turned 8, and now for his 9th birthday. Anything for him! He orders crab legs when we go.




Earlier in the day, we went ahead and let him open presents from us. He got books, and more books, a rock game, a REAL digital camera (actually it was mine but hardly used, so basically new), and a digital/analog watch. He was so excited to be getting gifts that are appropriate for older responsible boys. He was feeling so proud. Of course James was feeling envious and the thought of having three more years of maturity before receiving those cool kind of gifts was almost unbearable.


This is Jack on his "make-up" birthday. Enjoying what he loves most...snuggled in a comfy spot, with Austin, and reading a book!



James getting a turn taking pictures.


This was this morning. Jude and I were doing some shopping to prepare for Jack's REAL birthday day! He's a good little shopper!

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Flubber & Genghis Grill

Flubber! If you haven't made this stuff...you should! It's almost like a silly putty, but more squishy. It's a load of fun...just look at these boys. Two cautions, however: in reading about making it, it warns of Borax (one of the ingredients) and the toxicity of it. So, in other words, don't let your kids ingest it. Secondly, don't let it near hair or clothing. We learned this the hard way. :) Here's the recipe I used.




















Genghis Grill! It's a relatively new restaurant here in Montgomery we decided to try out a couple of weeks ago. It's a unique restaurant in that you build your dish from the meats to veggies, spices and sauces to starch type. The big boys LOVED the idea of making their own food. Once you load your bowl with the foods of your choice, you give it to the cooks to grill. You can stay and watch them or you can take your seat. It was fun, but not so practical with a toddler in tow. Or maybe next time one of us adults should build our bowl at a time. Whatever, it was just a bit overwhelming on our first visit.
We decided to go on separate dates with the big guys yesterday. Jason and James went out for lunch, and Jack and I for dinner. Where did the boys each choose to go??....Genghis Grill. James was so worried to go without Jack because he wanted his help building his bowl. Jack's bowl was all of our favorite the first time we went. So, of course he is dubbed as the expert Genghis Grill chef! However, Jack wrote down exactly what James should put in his bowl to make it yummy. Jason said James made sure to follow it to the tee! So funny!




















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Birmingham

Yesterday we made our way on over to the McWane Center in Birmingham. We got an annual pass almost a year ago, so we wanted to squeeze one more visit in before it expires.




Jack making a bubble around himself.




We watched Great White Sharks IMAX on a dome theater. I think we picked the wrong seats...it was hard to watch without feeling sick. Sitting in the back may have been more tolerable.








Jude loves the excavating site in the dinosaur section.




We topped off the day at California Pizza Kitchen for dinner and a trip to Barnes & Noble. Can you believe we don't have a B&N here in Montgomery?!? The kids LOVE B&N, so we always squeeze it in anywhere we visit.
Fun day with the family!

The big boys mailed the St. Jude donation from their summer lemonade stand a couple of weeks ago. Today, the received a thank you letter from St. Jude Hospital. They were very excited to get a personal letter appreciating their contribution. Jack already has begun thinking of the next way to earn money for St. Jude. I'm proud of their hearts.




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Location:St. Jude Letter

Happy Football Season Y'all

The Governor of AL encouraged all people in AL to wear their favorite college team shirt to work and school today. We are proudly wearing our purple and gold today! Geaux Tigers!!!



Happy football season y'all!

In Love

Just wanted to share this happy face! I'm in love!

Time With Jude

The big boys are back in school which means I get lots of good quality time with just Jude. He is at that age where everything is interesting. He's learning all about the world around him and it's so fun to watch his mind process it all. It's wonderful to have him in this one-on-one environment.


He LOVES bubble baths these days. Sometimes it's what we do in the middle of the day...even if he doesn't need a bath.





We pulled out all of Jack and James' old trains. They've been a big hit. The other morning he woke up at 8 and immediately wanted to play trains...skipping breakfast until 9:30! I just introduced him to the Thomas tv show yesterday and boy was he thrilled!



The weather has been so lovely the last few days. So, we've gone outside a lot to play. He loves his plasma car, chalk drawing, blowing bubbles, and laying down in this chair. He thinks it's the coolest! :)


Yesterday, I was putting clothes away in James' room. It seemed to be a bit too quiet in the other part of the house. My mommy intuition led me to this guy STANDING ON the kitchen counter!!! He actually was so proud of himself...even saying "cheese" as I snapped a quick picture of him (my finger providing privacy). :)

I love seeing him grow on a daily basis...even though I have to witness the disappearance of my baby at the same time.