Celebrating Jack's 10th Birthday with Friends and Family

It is rare that a single day goes by that Jack (and now, James) doesn't wear an item of clothing that has camo on it.  For that reason, it was fitting to go with a "camo theme" for his birthday.

We set the party up in the garage, which is perfect for a May birthday party in Michigan.

I hung a nice camo tarp for a backdrop, which the boys later hauled out into the woods to use for 'real camo' when hunting.

I set out a few favors for guests: camo water bottles, sunglasses in a camo case and mini lego kits.

The main table was set up with a goodie-bag at each spot where I stenciled in the initials of each of Jack's friends that he invited.

Attached was a fun compass and a paracord bracelet for everyone.

Later, the goodie-bags would be used to stuff all of their loot from the homemade pinata into:

Anxiously awaiting someone to break that beast open:

For something different, we decided to take the kids bowling at a local bowling alley.  At a recent silent auction, I had won a party package and thought that this would be a great time to use the certificate.  We had 2 hours of bowling with pizza and pop and they boys had a blast!

Afterwards, we took them back home for the pinata, opening of gifts and cupcakes!

Camo cupcakes!  (I made similar cupcakes for one of Steve's birthdays years ago and decided to make them again for Jack).

The birthday boy, living his best life!

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The next day, with the garage still set up from celebrating Jack's birthday with his friends, we invited family over for tacos and more camo.

As usual, I made and decorated Jack's cake.  And, by this point, I am pretty sure that I was beginning to tire of camo :)

He opened some great gifts including this nice fishing hat that would help to protect his face and ears from the sun this summer:

And yes, he is wearing the same shirt as the day before.  I washed it for him after his 'friends party' because he loves it so much and he wanted to wear it again the next day.

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End of the Week Randoms

Per Jimmy's request, I made another hand-drawn picture for him to watercolor for the wall in his room.  This time, it was a butterfly -- perfect for the Spring weather that we are experiencing.

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The girls had their annual dance recital and both performed in the Tap Production.  We are SO proud of them!

It was an Elvis-song themed production and it was incredible!

This was likely Samantha's last dance recital because she has found other interests in high school to devote her time to.  While I am a little sad that she has chosen to give it up, I know that it is her choice and I am so excited to see her spread her wings.  Sophia, on the other hand, will continue with dance as she has an even bigger passion for it.

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At the end of the semester, I put together little bags for all of my students prior to their final exam to remind them that they are one "smart cookie."  They were definitely appreciated!

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Look who is missing both of his front teeth!

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Jack had a 4th Grade Spring Music Concert at school and was excited to show off all of his recorder skills.  Those pieces of yarn tied at the end?  He has received a "ribbon" for each song that he has mastered, and there are very few students (himself included) that have mastered all of the 4th grade songs and even the 5th grade songs!

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Mother's Day gifts wrapped and ready for Grammy!  I stumbled upon his cute cherry wrapping paper on sale and have been waiting to use it!

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I LOVE these papers that come home from school!  

My favorite parts of this one from Jimmy:

1.  How he spelled my name

2.  How young he thinks I am

3.  That he knows that I always tell him that I love him

4.  That he isn't sure which one of my many jobs to list, ha!

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We chose a bright and sunny day to sit out on the deck and paint camo paper for Jack's birthday gifts.

Jack was down at the park mowing, so we took advantage of his absence and set to work.  I think that the packages turned out great!

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I found this random picture on my camera roll and opted to add it here so that I never forget how much Sophia loves her Converse shoes.  They made a major comeback this year ...

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Another thing that has been a big hit in our house lately is legos.  This is not something that my kids really "got into" as they were younger, but these kits were on clearance in one of the stores that we stopped in this week, and they have LOVED working on them together.

As a mom, I love the teamwork and the quietness while they are hard at work!

The finished product is now on display in Jack's room.

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Another quiet project has been puzzles.  We normally set these up at a card table, but Jimmy found a smaller one in the closet and set to work with it right on the floor.

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Jack came home from school with this framed beauty.  When Sophia was in 4th grade, she had the same teacher that Jack does now and the teacher did this same project.  At the beginning of the school year, the kids took turns telling the teacher what they wanted to be when they grew up and Jack chose an "electrician," like his dad.  Sophia's says "Future Chef" and I still have it on display in my kitchen.

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Jack's 10th Birthday

We kicked off Jack's birthday with cinnamon rolls (and a candle!) for breakfast.  What could make it better?  If you surprise the birthday boy with a candle that is actually a sparkler!

Later in the day, I made Jack a cake in the shape of a taco.  Tacos are one of his favorite foods so I decided that it would be special to try and turn his cake into one.  Mission accomplished.  

Then, I set out his presents from us, wrapped in paper that the kids all helped paint to look like camo.  This was also the chosen theme for Jack's upcoming celebration with extended family and his friends.

Just two brothers hanging out: one anxious to watch his brother open the gift that he chose for him and the other excited to open it.

A new basketball for the hoop in the driveway, made even more special because it is ... CAMO!

The girls both have LED lights for their rooms that go around their doors and windows and now Jack has his own set.  Note: these are a great gift!  You are able to control the color and blinking speed (if you choose to have them blinking) with a remote control and they can even be programmed to set to music.

More sparkler candles to celebrate a double-digit birthday!