More Happy Birthday Jonathan

Sporting his new hat from Grandpa and Grandma

new shades

New books from Aunt Sondra and Uncle Chad

I love his expression. It's as if he's thinking, "I'll act interested in what she's showing me, but there are STICKERS in this book!"

a new tricycle!

Luke was a little jealous of Jonathan's new ride.

Trying to hitch a ride

"Umm, are you touching my new trike?!"

Luke making his move...

Luke and Grandma

Don't Chad and Sondra look cute? And don't miss the little mischievous face climbing on them.

Ready. Set. Go!

Luke isn't quite walking, but he can go fast with the help of the shopping cart!

Jonathan trying to put Luke's sock back on.

Jonathan giving Luke a hug.

The hug started to turn into wrestling...

(Once again, I'm way behind.) Two weeks ago, we had a little family birthday party for Keith and Jonathan, but mostly for Jonathan. Grandma, Grandpa, Chad, Sondra and Luke came over for dinner and presents! We had lots of fun watching the kids play together and they are starting to play together. Jonathan wasn't too sure about sharing his tricycle, which has since been moved outside, but he does love Luke! I think he likes being "the big" for a change. Thanks for helping celebrate the birthday boys!

Peterson's Visit - Exploration Place

On Friday, we met Jill's parents at Exploration Place and let the kids run. There are so many great hands-on activities and the kids all loved it!

Andrew wasn't too sure about the spinning tube.

the water trough

Jonathan loved playing with the train table, all by himself.

Andrew taking his turn on the wooden horse slide ride.

Sydney would've ridden this horse all day if we had had the energy to push her back to the start!

Who's behind the blue curtain?

Brenna and Jill

and Jonathan

Up in the castle galley, Brenna, Jonathan and Andrew fixed a feast.

This picture does not show the true disturbingness (I know it's not a real word, but it works for me.) of what was actually happening. This was an airplane simulator where you could be the pilot and practice taking off and landing. Andrew had a version of landing that I NEVER want to experience. His goal, which he accomplished at least 6 times, was to crash the plane, nose first, into the ground. Followed by evil laughter and screeching that he wanted to do that again! All the while, Jonathan watched in rapt attention, taking notes.

*Mental note, never let them become pilots.

This was Andrew's favorite exhibit of the day. It was a water maze. You created the maze by moving the blue and yellow pieces, which affected the current of the water and the path the red ball would take as it floated on the current. Very fun! We had to drag him away with the promise that we would go back someday soon.

Jill reading stories to all the little Unicorns before bed.
None of the kids chose to nap this day and were exhausted and a little cranky, so Jill created Unicorn school before dinner, which was genius! They all participated and we even got them to eat dinner by telling them it was Unicorn food. And then they ended Unicorn school with a couple of bedtime stories. All the little Unicorns were in bed by 7:20 pm - a new record!

Peterson's Visit - the birthday party!

Before dinner and the birthday party, we had craft time.

Sydney decorating her Valentine picture frame.


Jill was in charge of glue distribution.

In lieu of a birthday cake I made ice cream cone cupcakes, and we let them each decorate their own with sprinkles.

Andrew putting sprinkles on his cupcake.

The birthday boy decorating his cupcake.

Brenna had her own method of getting the sprinkles on...

Brenna's birthday was Feb. 1, so we had a joint party for her and Jonathan.

My favorite picture of the night! Could they look any more ornery?!

Messy chocolate face

Jill and Sydney

Jonathan had a little help opening his dinosaurs from Auntie Jill and the girls.

Brenna got a polar animal play set - very cute!

We gave Jonathan the Little People Racin' Ramps Garage

Playing with all of the new toys!

Brenna and Andrew playing with the new garage.

We had a little birthday party for Brenna and Jonathan on Jonathan's birthday. I decided to try something new and made ice cream cone cupcakes instead of a cake. I tried baking them two different ways, and found that it works best just to dump the batter into the cones and bake it that way. The kids thought they were great, and really what's not to love about Funfetti cake with chocolate frosting?

After dinner, we opened a couple of gifts and then let them play for awhile and had everyone in bed by 8 pm! A successful party indeed! Thanks for celebrating with us Petersons!