Jack's Super Hero 4th Birthday

It has been WAY too long since Jack's Super Hero 4th Birthday, but I never got around to posting pictures and all the details.  Jack is obsessed with Super Heroes right now, and had been requesting an Iron Man themed party for months prior.  I tried to find ideas of how to make an Iron Man cake, but there were very few promising ideas out there.  I ended up just printing an Iron Man face picture as the template, and made my own.  I had SERIOUS doubts about it, and as usual, around 3 AM, I ended up crying, thinking his birthday party would be ruined because of the cake, but it ended up turning out to be SO cute.  I was quite proud of my cake "carving" abilities.  I wanted it to have some dimension in the face and not just be flat, and it worked out really well.  Since his birthday is in October, we decided to have all the birthday guests wear costumes.  The kids loved it!  Jack had trouble deciding which Hero he was going to be, and changed his costume about 3 times.  We had a Super Hero obstacle course which taught our future heroes how to battle villains, and included spraying "bad guys" with silly string(in honor of Spider Man, of course!).  And what party wouldn't be complete without a pinata?!  Jack got way too many presents and was spoiled, as usual.  It was so fun to be so close to all our family for a birthday party!
Happy Birthday, Jack!

Iron Man

Jack, you LOVE dressing up in costumes right now. For your birthday you got a whole trunk full of them, and you dress up every single day in one super hero or another. What an imagination you have!

Every superhero needs their sidekick!

FIRST DAY OF PRE-SCHOOL

I can't believe you're big enough for pre-school! Your teacher is Melissa McArthur, and she teaches at her home in Kamas. You have been so excited to start school and make new friends. I know you will do great and learn so much!

Jack's Quote Book

Saturday January 22, 2011

"Hey Mom, things at the restaurant are going REALLY good today, huh?"

January 2010

I can't wait to see what this year holds for you, Jack!

You are a wonderful helper around the house and are working on listening and obeying me. You help put your shoes and coat away when we get home every day and put your dirty clothes in the hamper at night. You also do a pretty good job of cleaning up toys. We have a new little vacuum that is perfect for you to help me with all the cleaning!

The weather is getting a little better after a very cold December and early January. Its perfect for you to learn to ride your new bike you got for Christmas. At first you were not too happy with it and could go much faster on your trike. But you seem to have mastered it and are really enjoying how much easier it is and farther you can go with less effort.

You started Sunbeams and are in class with your friend and neighbor Brigham Hart. Your teachers are brother and sister Bland. You were really nervous and cried a bit when I left you the first Sunday but hopefully things will get easier each week. On the way home from church I asked how class was and you said, "My teacher talked about the Holy Ghost, Mom, just like you tell me!"

I loved that you paid attention for long enough to at least recognize some of the things we talk about at home. We are reading scriptures together every night and saying family prayers. You never let us go a night without remembering to say them. We also got some darling quiet church books for Christmas that have the prophet and apostles pictures in them and you are working hard to learn each of their names. We are also working on the first article of faith and you can say it pretty well with some assitance. You're well on your way to becoming a model sunbeam....and great future missionary!

December 2010

December was a wonderful month for our little family and we felt very blessed throughout the month. I had a wonderful time teaching you about the Christmas story and the birth of our Savior as we read Christmas books and scriptures each night. We went to the temple and saw the nativity display and you were thrilled to recognize the characters we had been learning about all month.

It was also fun this year to see your excitement about Santa Claus, the North Pole and elves. You love the movie Polar Express and when we were in Kamas for the weekend, we decided to ride the "Polar Express." I loved seeing your joy as you thought we were truly going to the North Pole! You asked me what I was going to do while you were riding the train to the North Pole, and were slightly disappointed when I informed you that I would be accompanying you.

We made cookies for our neighbors and friends, bought gifts for teachers and family, and thoroughly enjoyed the holidays and the excitement and joy that comes with it.

Washington Fields 2nd Ward Christmas Breakfast

Making cookies for neighbors and friends...and ourselves...

What a cute little baker!

Christmas Morning/Afternoon

This year you spent Christmas morning with Dad in Logan. That afternoon he brought you to Woodland to Grandma and Grandpa McNeils home where Santa had left you even more presents. I was worried you'd be over the excitement of presents by time you got there....but I think the look on your face says otherwise!

Jack (3) and Noah (5)

Jack (3) and Rajko(20 months)

November 2010

One reason we love St. George is the wonderful weather! Even into November we can play outside and not be bundled up. 2 boys moved in next door to us, Brigham and Stockton, and you love to ride bikes and play with them when we have time.

Sometimes you get so busy playing that you don't even have time to go in for a bathroom break. I guess its time to have a discussion about when and where its appropriate to use the restroom!