Yo ho yo ho, a pirate's life for me!

Jackson decided he wanted to have his own birthday party this year. He only wanted boys at his party with a few exceptions. Luckily, he allowed Peyton to attend without too much coaxing. He had settled on a pirate theme months ago, so we had a lot of fun planning what we would do. The funniest thing was that, at the actual party, the boys weren't too interested in partcipating in anything that would hinder free play. They didn't even want to go on the treasure hunt we planned, much to Carston's chagrin (he has been looking forward to it).

The party started at 10 am and as the boys arrived, we had them line up to play a ring toss game on the big blow-up pirate ship we bought for the occasion. Unfortunately, the game was harder for them than we anticipated. They couldn't seem to get the rings to land on any of the three masts of the ship and they quickly lost interest and began running around. We tried to get "pin the patch on the pirate" going, but the boys wanted to be set free to play outside. Mark got the treasure map ready to take them outside and start the outdoor fun, but they weren't too concerned about discovering hidden treasure. Upon being let out the door, they all separated and headed straight for the slip and slide and the pool waiting for them in the backyard. Mark wisely decided to just let them play. They especially enjoyed the slip and slide and I was barely able to coax them away from it by offering treats and drinks. They were excited for the pinata, so (not surprisingly) they came running when we were ready to knock it around. The treasure chest pinata was obstinate, refusing to break open! After all of the kids had taken at least three turns, Uncle Robb gave it a whack that brought candy raining down on them. They filled their loot bags and some quickly starting shoveling candy into their mouths as well. The time flew by quickly since I was rushing around the entire time getting treats, taking wet and slippery little boys to the potty and taking pictures. We called all of the boys over at the end of the party for cake. We sang to Jackson and he blew out his candles, before digging in. Everyone seemed to enjoy the cake, which made me happy. Jackson's favorite part were the sharks circling his island. I ended up handing out the party favors just before everyone left, since they hadn't gotten them on the treasure hunt as planned. They all got pirate hats, swords, eye patches, a telescope and a small treasure chest with a key. It was probably good that we hadn't handed them out earlier since inevitable sword fights broke out instantly (mostly between my boys). Captain Jackson had some swashbucklin' fun at his Buccaneer Bash and was so busy playing pirates after lunch that he barely noticed that Peyton was having her own party. He was the true Capn' Jack, even carrying his parrot with him when it wouldn't stay on his shoulder.

Peyton's Dora Birthday Party

Peyton was excited to have an all girl party. We scheduled the party to begin at 12:30, an hour after Jackson's party was over. When the girls arrived, they each put on their Dora lipgloss bracelets we had found for party favors and went outside for an adventure using map to find the pinata Swiper had swiped from the party. Instead of diligently following map, we ended up just playing outside in the water for a little while and eating some snacks before miraculously "finding" the pinata and relieving it of all of its goodies. After eating a few pieces of their pinata candy, the girls were finished with the great outdoors, so we came inside to play some games and color. They all sat down to color a booklet of Dora Saves the Mermaid coloring pages. While they were sitting at the table, Peyton looked around and in a sweet voice said: "Girls, thanks for coming to my birthday party.". It was cute. After coloring, we played a few party games and put together a big Dora puzzle before we sang to Peyton and cut her birthday cake. The boys joined us for the cake because they are always "in" when food is involved. It was humorous to see the differences between the boys and the girls at the two parties!Peyton had a great time at her party! After everyone left, Peyton took a bath all by herself (a novelty for her) and played with some of her new Dora bath toys. She stayed so long in the water that by the time she was ready to get out, the water had turned rather cold and she was freezing. After getting warm again and dressed, Peyton sat down to enjoy another piece of her cake. That pretty much ended up being dinner. No one wanted to eat dinner after all of the treats! Peyton was exhausted after playing at Jackson's pirate party and her own party and had a meltdown before being tucked into bed a bit early. Happy 4th Birthday my sweet Peyton!

Happy 4th Birthday Jackson and Peyton!

It seems hard to believe that the twins are already four years old. It wasn't very long ago that they were born at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN.
What a blessing they have been in our lives since they arrived!
Today was extra special because Daddy took the day off to help with their birthday parties and Uncle Robb came this weekend to be with them for their birthday as well.

We started out their special day with a delicious birthday breakfast (wholewheat pancakes with pudding, whipped cream and chocolate syrup). This breakfast is like eating dessert, so it is a definite favorite at our house. We only have it on special occasions, usually birthdays. Jackson was so excited for his pirate party he hardly ate after blowing out his candle.

Peyton loves her breakfasts, but even she could hardly eat because she was so excited for Jackson's pirate party and her Dora birthday party later that morning.

Jackson with his birthday cake--his own private island.
This year he insisted on having his own birthday party. He didn't want to have to share and I don't blame him. So, against my better judgment, I agreed to throw the twins each their own party. Jackson's pirate party was wild water fun with boys running every direction. The boys didn't want to settle down for any of the planned games or activities. It was hilarious to note the differences between his party and Peyton's party an hour later.

Peyton with the Dora cake that took far too long for me to create!
Peyton's Dora party went a lot more as planned. The girls were able to focus on the activities planned. They loved the coloring and party games and didn't seem to mind the structured fun. I really enjoyed playing with them and didn't feel as out of control as I did with the boys.

Jackson loved his pirate balloon! He was pleased with his birthday party theme and played pirates most of the day.

Peyton's Dora balloon is a fun size for playing in the Dora tent Peyton got for her birthday.

This picture was taken in the evening after a busy day of birthday parties and friends. Peyton was ready to settle down and open some presents. We cleaned up from the parties and let the kids play with all of the balloons. Many of them didn't make it to bed time!

Jackson really wanted Bumblebee the transformer for his birthday. I was excited when I got it for him. Little did I know that Bumblebee would become such a pain for Mark who had to transform it at least a dozen times before Jackson went to bed.

Peyton chose this Doodle pro for her birthday. She already got one for Christmas but she has used it so much that it looks worn out, so I guess she wanted an upgrade. She was very excited and it was the favorite toy of the evening.

Jackson's favorite toy was the speed racer car that Uncle Robb bought him. He loves it!

Peyton asked Robb for a car as well, but a pink "girl" car was what she wanted specifically. Poor little Peyton is surrounded by boys on every side. At least she can play cars with them in style!

The day was a flurry of activity. I hardly had a moment to concentrate. After the birthday parties, we cleaned up, took baths and opened presents. The kids pieced on their cakes and treats and ended up not wanting to go out to dinner as I had planned. They were excitedly playing with their new toys and didn't stop until bed time arrived (a little early since they were all melting down). Mark and I irreverently laughed through our family prayer because every one of our children was crying and worn out. They didn't stop for the prayer and we could have either laughed or joined in their woeful cry and it just seemed funny at the moment. Things are always funnier when you are supposed to be reverent. I hope they are now sleeping soundly!

Happy birthday sweet twins!

We [heart] Global Wildlife Center

Today we visited the Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, Louisiana (about an hour drive from New Orleans). We enjoyed a 1 1/2 hour guided Safari Wagon tour over 900 acres of beautiful countryside complete with 12 ponds and a lake. During the tour we came face to face with and got to feed bison, giraffes, zebras, camels, eland, Texas Longhorns etc.!

Robb bought this enormous sack of feed! I never thought we would see the bottom of the sack, but we ended up using all of it. The kids fed the ground as well as the animals, but had a wonderful experience pouring feed into animals' mouths and letting them eat out of their hands. It was amazing!

We each had a plastic cup to fill with feed.

Just one of the scenes of the day.

It was a real treat to be able to feed the giraffes. They prefer to eat out of your hand, so Robb and Carston got up close and personal with this one.

Benjamin even got in on the action. He wanted his own cup of feed and he threw it and dumped it just like he saw everyone else doing. The problem was simply that he wasn't aiming at any living thing and he ended up mostly feeding the floor.

Peyton lost a few cups this way, but it was worth it!

Unfortunately, this is what Peyton does when I tell them all to smile for a picture. I think she thinks making a face is what I want from her. I promise we had a good time!

It got very hot and the humidity didn't help. We were all dehydrated and overheated before the tour ended. Benjamin's little cheeks were rosy and he was sweating, not quite used to Louisiana in the summertime.

Grant does not like to hold still for more than a split second,
so it is hard to pin him down for a picture.
He had animals to feed and things to do and having to pose for a quick picture was not in his plan.

Carston is our true animal lover! He knows more about animals than anyone in our family and more than most people. He not only quietly observed during the entire tour, identified animals and answered the tour guides questions, he also made sure he fed every type of animal they had to offer.

This guy had an appetite! He finished off our feed. Robb had the knack of getting most animals to come over to him so that he could feed them. That was lucky for our kids! He lured them over and Carston, Jackson, Peyton and Grant got a chance to feed them as well.
It was our turn to eat on the drive home from Folsom and we enjoyed a picnic in the car. We'll have to go back again sometime.

We love the Beach and Uncle Robb!

We had a perfect beach day today!

It was a little cloudy when we arrived, but by the time we laid our things out on the beach, the clouds had already meandered inland leaving a bright blue sky and beautiful sunshine.
The kids have been begging to go to the beach for months (the beach in Gulfport, MS is only an hour away), so we decided Uncle Robb's visit was the perfect excuse to go. The kids love having Uncle Robb with us and are wearing him out by dragging him around everywhere.
Mark and I are enjoying visiting with him as well.
Grant affectionately calls him "Robby".

Robb was chosen as the one who got to walk all of the kids into the water as far as they dared venture. Grant won the most adventurous award (no surprise there)!

Grant swam around, splashed and stomped to his heart's content. He came to me after a particularly daring moment in the water and made a face to tell me that the water was "yucky". The poor Gulf of Mexico has to deal with a lot of dirt and garbage flowing in from the Mississippi River. Robb found a big piece of carpet floating in the shallow water. There are many such treasures to be found. The kids don't care, they love the sand, the wind and the waves.

Soon, Grant decided he didn't need an escort in and out of the water.
He fought the waves on his own.

Benjamin surprised us by insisting on spending a good portion of his time at the beach in the water. He kept having us walk him out as far as we could go without completely submerging him. He even had waves lick at his face and cover his head and he never cried.

In and Out, In and Out.......just like the waves.

Once a thorough investigation of the sand was complete, Benjamin began throwing handfuls into buckets and at beach toys and every which way. His favorite pastime is throwing, usually a ball, but he'll settle for food, toys, books, decorations, any sharp object he might come upon and basically anything he can reach! Luckily, he has quite an arm and good aim. He threw sand away from himself rather than up in the air or into his eyes.

Carston built a sandcastle complete with a very substantial moat. Carston, Jackson and Grant put a lot of effort into digging it out and filling it up with water. Unfortunately, the castle didn't last long, although the moat did happen to outlive its counterpart.

There is nothing like washing your hands in the surf at the beach. If you use Carston's method, you leave quite a bit sandier than you started out.

Peyton was in heaven filling up her bucket with her own section of beach. She was having a great time until she was stung on the right foot by a jellyfish. The whole top of her foot and her ankle swelled up with red welts. Mark rushed her off to the pharmacy. It seems like we always have at least one child who ends up getting stung by a jellyfish when we go to the beach, but still we forget to take anything with us to treat it. We have now taken appropriate measures and added such items to our beach bag.

Jackson was very concerned about Peyton after she was stung. He watched for Mark to pull back up to the beach in the van after going to the pharmacy. When he arrived, Jackson ran full speed to check on his sister. I'm so glad we have twins!

Peyton didn't want to venture back into the water after her experience with the jelly fish. So, she sat quietly on a towel until she decided she was brave enough to leave its confines and venture into the wide open world of playing in the sand.

Carston took full advantage of the sand and even braved being buried alive. Don't worry, emergency personnel were present at all times. When I bathed him later, we had quite a bit of sand to remove. I washed him three times with soap. Oh, the joys of sand making its way into every nook and cranny!

Jackson helped bury Carston in the sand. He also helped build the sand castle. He is quite the sand craftsman.

When we left the beach, we were tired, completely covered in sand and blissfully happy. We only started getting a little cranky when we found ourselves hopelessly stuck in traffic after an eighteen wheeler overturned, blocking both freeway entrances and our access to a ward party waiting for us back home. That's another story.

Summertime and the Going is Easy

Today was our first real day of summer. We enjoyed every minute of it with the park in the morning and the sprinkler and water table in the afternoon lasting into the evening. Oh, the lazy days of summer....welcome!

Carston was kind enough to walk Benjamin through the sprinklers, making sure he enjoyed the best puddles.

Jackson was content moving the sprinkler around the yard.

Peyton picked some "blossoms of blue" just for me.

Grant had a wonderful time with his partner in crime: the blue bucket.

Benjamin is enjoying a little more freedom as he loses his baby title in exchange for his new starring role as the premier toddler at our house (complete with leaving devastation behind wherever he roams). After playing in the water he determined to cook himself a bite to eat in the playhouse.

He enjoyed searching through the grass, familiarizing himself with the texture, and even helped a bit with cutting the grass by hand.

They clean up nice! A warm bath works wonders. The sun, water and playing in the dirt always wear them out. Exhausted, they fell into bed with smiles and excitement for another day of summer, I follow soon.....just as exhausted and excited.