the 8 year old

Andrew's birthday was this past weekend. This year I made sure to make the boys easy and simple birthday celebrations. When Andrew awoke that morning, he was greeted with a Pikachu & a tin box of his beloved Yu-Gi-Oh dueling cards. He can't decide what he likes best, so it was just a stew of all his favorite things. 

Looking at him nowadays, it's just baffling that I have an 8 year old. I don't know how we got to this place. I've seen him mature quite nicely into his own self & am really proud of his accomplishments. But he is still that quirky weirdo we laugh at and love. 

His Nana & Papa came to celebrate him. After we sang happy birthday & opened gifts, we ate breakfast and headed to Moody Gardens Galveston.

We basically went and spent most of the day at the water park. It is quite small but these kids don't care. They love any water action and turned into happy sunburned fishes. 

After a while, Gary, me and Andrew went to the ziplines! Andrew wasn't afraid one bit...he just climbed those stairs, didn't even hesitate. We were so proud. 

Before leaving Moody Gardens, we stopped at the theater to watch Great White Sharks movie in 3D IMAX. 

While we walked around the grounds, we came upon the tornado tunnel. Normally I wouldn't let the kids do it, but I happened to have a couple of bucks in my purse and why not?

It. was. hilarious. 

The boys each got some red cheeks and smiling faces and we were ready to head home. 

Can you tell my kids became grumpy butts right after the movie? Yeah, they were tired. 

We love you, Bubs. 

Pikachu doll from McDonalds Happy Meal

Pokemon "Gotcha" Snapchat emoji

Nintendo 2DS

Moody Gardens Galveston Beach

Jonah's 6th Birthday

Our Independence Day baby just turned 6 a few days ago. He has been pumped about his birthday since July 5th, 2015. Always counting down the days until his birthday, he will tell you about it even though he doesn't know you.

I think I remember being excited about my birthday, but not really. Usually, my sister and I shared our birthdays and it was a joint celebration. It was never truly about me, gosh darnit!

Now that I am a mom, I share my birthday with Mother's Day and so they often get combined as well...so, it's never actually JUST my birthday. It;s ok, I can handle this, I'm an adult. 

This is why I felt the need to celebrate my little Independence Day baby all on his own this year. No fancy Washington DC trip. No combined birthday party with his brother.

Just Jonah.

And it was ALL about Jonah. 

Morning came and the sleepy birthday boy awoke to race flags at his bedpost, a starting line made from tissue paper, silly string to the face, & a table full of presents with an awesome cake. 

he was psyched over his gifts which included spiderman briefs. the goober put them on right away on top of his regular underwear and even asked to wear them in public. 

I wanted to make his birthday super special, so we did. We took that little boy and we made a special trip to good ol' Highlands, Texas to Battleground Speedway!!

We watched cars racing for 5 hours! It was intense at times, other times it was a bit hard with 3 needy children. But it was crossed off our bucketlist and we got to see some car racing and a few fireworks.

We love you Jonah Bear!