Beckett's Eleven!

Happy birthday to this kid!  He's informed me he's a preteen now, although he's not a persistent about it as his older brother was, haha.  We had so much fun celebrating him this year, with a fun Nerf birthday party with his friends.  We did Nerf cake pops, and tons of treats (a few of his faves...Takis and sour patch watermelons too), and pizza!  The kids had a blast with the gun packs and the obstacles we put up for the party. After it was over, we put the jumper back up that we still had from Dawson's party and some of the kids stayed later...I think the after party was as much fun as the rest, and I wouldn't have guessed that a bunch of 11 year olds would love a jumper as much as the 4-5 year olds!  He especially loved having all of his favorite people in one place at the same time. 

After all the friends were gone, we gave him the presents from us.  We were super excited to give him some catcher's gear for his upcoming baseball season.  He was able to play the position last season some.  He really enjoyed it and seems to have a knack for it too!  We are so thankful to have Beckett in our family and for all of the amazing things he does.  Yay for eleven year old Beckett!!

Some fun facts about B:

• He loves to play Baseball.  His favorite team is the Miami Marlins.  He was asked to be on the All Stars team for his little league.
• He also loves to play with his brothers...Legos, trampoline games, video games, Hot Wheels.  He's even been playing a lot of soccer lately with Asher.
• He loves to draw, color, paint.  
• Beckett is a science kid, and understands concepts quickly.  He loves to guild things!
• He loves creatures and is currently vying for an anole, a dog, a hedgehog and a leopard gecko.
• Beckett is always trying to come up with small business ideas so he can earn some money.  So far only his Lemonade Stands have panned out, but he is determined, so I don't doubt that we've got a young entrepreneur on our hands!
• He has a lovely voice and had a solo part of the Miracle in sacrament last Easter. What a clear, sweet voice.  He also had a speaking part in our Stake's Savior of the World production and he did great. 
• He's always finding cool rocks.  He recently even found some petrified wood chunks behind our house.  So cool!
• He's a passionate kiddo.  If likes something he REALLY gets into it.
• He tried out Water Polo this past summer and ended up being great at it.  He played goalie and ended up being awarded an MVP plaque.  He also took 1st place in breaststroke at the City Swim meet.
• Favorite foods: Pho, Crab legs and Mac and Cheese, and blueberry or banana cream pie.
• We love him!

This last pic was from our weekend with the birthday jumper.  The boys played and nerf-ed it up like crazy!

Big 5 for D

Happiest birthday to the coolest 5 year old around!  This kiddo had been looking forward to (and planning in detail) his party for months now.  We celebrated with family and friends too (first friend party) this year and his specifications included a dinosaur with basketball cake, a dino pinata, games and fun.  Okay, buddy.  Your wish is my command.  He loved his party and enjoyed every piece of it.  I loved his enthusiasm for every gift, balloon and bite.  So much fun!!

Some fun facts about our Dawson:

• He checks on me almost every night.  He comes in gives me a quick snuggle, then goes back to bed.  I love it.  In the mornings he crawls into bed with me/us, finds a good spot and falls right back to sleep.  If I'm downstairs early, he'll come down and fall asleep wherever I am.
• He loves to help people plan out their birthday cakes...especially me:)
• Dawson is a great laundry helper, and is great at putting clothes into the dryer for me.  Also, he's an excellent sock matcher-upper.
• Loves soccer.  Asher has been his personal trainer lately and I have to admit he's getting pretty good (9 goals in one game, yikes).  His favorite Football/soccer team is 'Glitterpool' = Liverpool, hehehe. He tells me I need to cheer loud enough that he can hear me while he's playing his games.
• Dawson loves to play 'cafe' and has made his own menu that's handed out upon arrival at his fine eating establishment.  He has daily specials and explains each hand-drawn item at length including sides.  He likes to organize and stock his play kitchen.
• He recently told me that when he grows up he wants to be a soccer player, and a dad.  A week later he came to me and said, "Mom, when I grow up I don't want to be a soccer player, I just want to be a dad.":)
• He's kind hearted and loves for the family to be together.  He loves 'the brothers' so much.  Sometimes he'll make his brother's beds for them or do their jobs secretly. 
• Loves to play with Hot Wheels, Trains, and Legos and will do so for a very long time.  
• Pigloo= Igloo.  That just makes me laugh.
• He can sit and draw and color for a while, which is something I've never had a kid want to sit and do for so long before.  His attention to detail is amazing!
• For months this past year he insisted he was the middle child.  I don't know where he came up with it or why he even cared but he was ready to take on Beckett for the title.  He has finally given that up!
• He ended up with two pretty nasty bumps and cuts on his forehead this year (think horns).  They both happened within weeks of each other; one needed stitches, and the other did not, but he's left with some pretty good scars, and the bumps are finally healing up. Both times he ran into something (door, side of building).  Slow down my little buddy, slow down!
• He loves dinosaurs and knows all the crazy names.  He loves preschool, and learning and is working on reading right now!
• He brings joy to his family!

Happy Birthday, buddy!!